File No. 312.52/353.
The Secretary of State to the Spanish Ambassador.
Washington, July 25, 1914.
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: Referring to your note of the 4th instant in regard to the imprisonment of Bishop Segura, a Mexican citizen, and Father Vilalta, a Spanish subject, I beg to say that the Department has received a telegram from its Special Agent at Rosario in which he states that he has investigated the case. He reports that Bishop Segura’s father was a Mexican and that Father Vilalta has been sentenced to imprisonment for eight years because of his advocacy of the federal cause in the public press. He adds that General Obregon, now at Guadalajara, has the power to release.
This Government has already made representations to General Carranza looking to more considerate treatment of those connected with religious orders. The facts which you have communicated to the Department will be brought to General Carranza’s attention with the observation that this Government will greatly appreciate it if he will give personal consideration to the case of the Spanish subject Father Vilalta.
I am [etc.]