File No. 312.52/221.
The Spanish Ambassador to Counselor Lansing.
Washington, April 9, 1914.
My Dear Mr. Counselor: I am in receipt of your note of April 8, informing me of the telegram which the Department has received from its representative at El Paso, Texas, dated April 7, giving an account of his interview with General Carranza upon the subject of the expulsion of the Spaniards from Torreon.
I have not failed to inform my Government of your note, and although I have as yet received no instructions upon the subject, I can not allow the opportunity to pass without protesting in the most vigorous manner against the accusations of the constitutionalists against my compatriots of having taken part in the internal politics of Mexico.
I trust that the Department of State will not lend any credence to these accusations, and will appreciate that the expulsion of the Spaniards from Torreon was prompted by the same motives which inspired their expulsion from Chihuahua so clearly demonstrated by the loot and confiscation of their property. I feel that in the absence of any proof hitherto shown of their active participation in [Page 801] the political struggle of Mexico, the accusations of the constitutionalists should not prevail against treaty rights and the treatment which generally obtains amongst civilized communities.
I thank you for the instructions which you inform me have been communicated to your representative to obtain from General Carranza the suspension of the expulsion order, and for your offer to keep me informed of whatever additional information upon this matter is received by the Department.
Believe me [etc.]