File No. 312.52/296.
Special Agent Carothers to the Secretary of State.120
Following results have been accomplished with De la Garza regarding cotton situation and Spaniards. Nine of the largest planters have arranged satisfactorily for export of their cotton, paying fifteen dollars gold per bale war tax and also to go back and take possession of their properties when they consider it safe. Many others are trying to effect same arrangements and in order to determine whether or not they were involved in the politics of Mexico a committee composed of Alberto Madero, E. R. Barrera, Carlos Arguelles, Alberto Pani, and Adrian Aguirre Benavades have been appointed to investigate their record and any Spanish subject may appear before this committee and present his case. After being passed upon by this [Page 817] committee favorably they will be permitted to return and their cotton delivered. No other foreigners have been refused permission to export their cotton upon payment of tax. De la Garza has handed me letter explaining their position which I am sending by mail. I return to Torreon tomorrow.
- Communicated to the Spanish Ambassador May 28, 1914.↩