File No. 312.52/266.
The Secretary of State to Special Agent Carothers.
Washington, May 11, 1914, 5 p.m.
On May 4 the Department telegraphed Consul, Chihuahua, as follows:
Department learns through the Spanish Ambassador, who asks its good offices in his behalf, that Joaquin Armendaiz, a Spanish subject now at Alpine, Texas, has been called upon by Constitutionalists at Monterey to pay 40,000 pesos to avoid confiscation of his property. Armendaiz has already suffered greatly in his interests although he has never taken part in the politics of Mexico. If this demand is enforced it means his financial ruin.
Department is today advising Consul General, Monterey, that it has been informed by Spanish Ambassador that home of sisters of Joaquin Armendaiz, with furniture, was being used by Constitutionalists at Monterey; that if true Department would not object to Consul General’s taking charge unofficially of homes and office building of Joaquin Armendaiz estate if this would not interfere with work of Consulate or with good understanding between Consul General and authorities.
Department has this date received note from Spanish Ambassador making clear that Armendaiz agent at Monterey has been informed that if he does not cash draft for $12,000 gold, drawn on Joaquin Armendaiz, Alpine, Texas, agent will be imprisoned and held until the forty thousand pesos, or its equivalent, shall be paid over to Constitutionalists.
You will lay the above before General Carranza and express to him the Department’s sincere hope that he will direct that this Spanish subject be generously dealt with as several of the women members of his family are dependent upon him for support, and also because it is understood that Armendaiz has complied with former demands to the extent of his ability.