File No. 812.00/11755.
Special Agent Carothers to the Secretary of State.
Sir:* * * Regarding the stand that Carranza took116 in connection with your instruction of March 2 to Consul Simpich. Mr. [Page 805] Fabela, Sub-Secretary of Relations, called my attention to the fact that there was some misunderstanding on your part as to what Carranza had replied. He handed me a copy of the reply, in Spanish, and his contention was more or less true. I told him that it was strange to me that, knowing as they did that the Department had taken it as an established fact that Carranza would accept the mediation of the United States as concerned foreigners not Americans, they had not called the attention of the American Government to this long ago, and not waited until such an important matter as the expulsion of the Spaniards arose; that it appeared to me that they were purposely holding back such important matters, so as to use them in order to gain time when they got into a tight place. That I considered it an opportune moment to come to a definite understanding as to what their intentions are in future, so that when another important matter arises, they can do business with us promptly. He promised to assist me in every manner, and deemed it prudent for me to say nothing personally to Carranza about it, as he believed he could obtain the desired results. On the evening of the 10th instant he telephoned me that they were going to Chihuahua the next day, and that he had been unable to get Carranza to agree on a basis. This prompted me to write Carranza, asking him to give me a definite reply, both as to his future course, and as to the reply to my communications that were pending. I have received no written reply, but yesterday morning Mr. Pesqueira requested a conference with me, so at 3 p.m. we met. He told me that he had seen my letter, and had discussed the matters with Carranza, that he had insisted with him that he give a satisfactory solution to this matter, and that Carranza told him that he would receive and give attention to our representations when stated in your telegrams and instructions that the request is made by the Government at whose instance the representations are made. This prompted my telegram to you of last night at 7 p.m.
Mr. Pesqueira is very anxious to see that there is no delay in replying to our representations, and has offered to accompany me to Chihuahua upon his return from Nogales, and there secure in writing a definite solution.
In view of what I have said about the relations between Villa and Carranza, and the delay in securing results through Carranza, I believe it will be policy to continue instructing the Consular officers to settle all matters that come up locally with the authorities de facto in places where difficulties arise, in which way the majority of cases will be settled satisfactorily before they become matters of international importance. Such cases as arise where Villa refuses to act, can easily be carried before Carranza. This is entirely in line with what Villa told me when I left Torreon, that for me to tell Acting Consular Agent Ulmer to go to him personally with any matter that arose, and that he would give him every assistance. That he would immediately punish anyone who would molest Americans or their property.
I am using every effort to preserve friendly feeling on all sides, and at the same time accomplish the desired results.
I have [etc.]
- See footnote 114, second paragraph.↩