Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 8, 1914

File No. 312.41/101a.

The Secretary of State to Consul Letcher.

[Telegram.]

Department of State,
Washington, February 21; 1914.

Unofficially interview Villa and represent that in view of the many conflicting reports regarding just exactly what did occur when Benton interviewed Villa, Department would appreciate having a signed statement from him, covering Benton’s call upon him including a statement of how the encounter and arrest occurred, conditions under which the trial was conducted and by whom the execution-order was given. If you succeed in securing statement telegraph important portions thereof immediately.

Bryan

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