File No. 312.52/236.
Consul Letcher to the Secretary of State.
Chihuahua, April 15, 1914.
Department’s April 11. Carranza replies through Secretary Foreign Affairs that his attitude in case of Spaniards is identical with that assumed in Benton case,117 that is to say that interested governments must address themselves to Carranza through the Department of State and then only when there is no accredited representative of such country on the ground. Fabela explains verbally that this attitude should not be construed to imply any lack of gratitude on part of Carranza for favors shown by our Government but that it is assumed to force other foreign countries to deal directly with Carranza on matters affecting their respective nationals, such dealings [Page 807] constituting quasi recognition of Constitutionalist Government. He further points out that Great Britain has already accepted Carranza’s requirements.