File No. 312.52/469.
The Secretary of State to Ambassador Willard.129
Washington, December 1, 1914.
Department is unable to obtain confirmation of reported assassination of Spaniards referred to in your No. 7, November 27. Brazilian Minister at Mexico City was requested to report regarding this [Page 833] matter and he telegraphed November 29th that the Spanish Minister’s representations are being complied with by authorities; that there had been some isolated cases of violence and robbery by irresponsible bands in the suburbs of Mexico City; that such cases have been punished with execution of the culprits; that Zapatista authorities are trying their best to redress damage done; that a general order from Villa was published extending guarantees to everybody, wrongs to be punished by death. He concludes his telegram with the statement that the general situation can be considered surprisingly good.
Yesterday Silliman telegraphed from Mexico City that the city continued quiet and was well policed; that no political arrests had been made; that the Zapatistas had not molested natives or foreigners except in a few very aggravated cases; that the Zapatistas are compelling the return to owners of personal effects removed from private dwellings and disposed of by Carrancistas; and that banks and stores are resuming business.
- Communicated to the Spanish Ambassador Dec. 1, 1914.↩