File No. 312.52/208a.
The Secretary of State to Special Agent Carothers.
Washington, April 6, 1914.
Newspaper reports indicate that orders have been given by General Villa for the deportation of about 600 Spaniards from Torreon. Department hopes report is incorrect. If upon investigation you find it to be true you are instructed to unofficially bring this matter to the attention of Carranza and represent to him courteously but in the most impressive manner that this Government has entertained the hope that the expulsion of Spaniards from Chihuahua would not be treated as a precedent; that the hardships involved in the enforcement of a similar order against large numbers of persons at Torreon, who must in the main be innocent of any complicity in the pending contest in Mexico involving any further indiscriminate deportations of foreigners, will produce a most, unfavorable impression and it is hoped that he will appreciate the expediency of using every means at his command to prevent any such orders being carried into effect.
[Page 797]The Spanish Ambassador has requested this Government to act in view of the absence of a representative of his Government. Telegraph result of your representations as soon as possible. Collaborate with Edwards until further orders.