File No. 312.52/478.
The Spanish Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Washington, November 20, 1914.
Mr. Secretary: The Spanish Minister in Mexico informs me that our Consular Agent at Vera Cruz has advised him that the Consular Agent of the United States at Tampico, who has charge of Spanish [Page 831] interests at that place, has communicated to him respecting a recent case which needed the prompt action of the Consul at Tampico in favor of the interests of Spanish subjects,
that he has been advised by the Honorable Secretary of State at Washington, that he should communicate with Washington on all matters concerning the protection of Spaniards, before doing so with the Mexican authorities.
I would be much indebted to your excellency, if, without interfering with the Consul’s compliance with the orders referred to, they might be amplified to the extent of authorizing him to make use of his own judgment when the cases require a prompt action, because under other conditions, and considering the circumstances which now exist in our neighbor Republic, the interests of my nationals, the protection of which is committed to the said American Agent, might suffer grave injury.
Expressing my thanks in advance to your excellency, I take [etc.]