File No. 312.41/69.
The British Embassy to the Department of State.
memorandum.
His Britannic Majesty’s Embassy has the honour to inform the Department of State that a telegram has been received from the British Minister in Mexico City to the effect that great alarm exists among foreign residents who fear serious danger to life, even in the towns, if any action should be taken by the United States which might excite popular feeling. Sir L. Carden anticipates that the dispatch of a peremptory note which might be published, the landing of marines, or a blockade of Mexican ports might have such an effect. In the event of a blockade of the ports the dock laborers, who are a turbulent class and would be left without work, would be sure to commence robbing. It is also anticipated that if the Government should be obliged to withdraw the greater part of the [Page 841] present garrison from the capital there would be grave danger of a rising of the numerous criminal class. In the event of lack of funds to pay the troops they would probably mutiny.
His Majesty’s Embassy is not unmindful of the assurance received privately from the Department of State on August 2, that in the event of any decisive step diplomatic or otherwise being determined on, it would be duly advised; and it is very sensible of the courtesy of the Department of State in informing it on September 29 of the instructions issued to American Consular officers or other officials in Mexico desiring them, if they receive intimation of any steps or events likely to affect the safety of foreigners, to impart their knowledge at once to all foreigners alike.
In view of the present situation in Mexico His Majesty’s Embassy is instructed to draw the attention of the Department of State to the importance of timely notice if possible being given of any steps which the United States Government may contemplate taking and which might result in danger to the lives of British subjects and other foreigners in order that they may have time to come in from outlying districts.
His Majesty’s Embassy has already had occasion more than once to express the gratitude of His Majesty’s Government for assistance rendered by United States ships in conveying British subjects to places of safety. It appears that real danger at this moment threatens British subjects at Puerto Mexico and the region round Tampico. His Majesty’s Government feel it incumbent upon them to make arrangements for their protection, and two ships are being sent to those ports to protect British lives and property and to take off refugees. They trust that pending the arrival of these ships they may again have recourse to the assistance of the United States ships in affording British subjects such protection as may be possible.
Washington , November 19, 1913.
Note.—Assurance of protection given verbally to the British Embassy November 19, 1913.