File No. 312.41/132.
The British Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Washington, February 24, 1914.
Dear Mr. Secretary: I have received a telegram from Sir Edward Grey stating that in view of the feeling which has already been aroused in Great Britain by the accounts published in the press of Mr. Benton’s death, and the reports of the disappearance of two other Englishmen, he considers it essential that a British Consular officer should proceed (under adequate securities) to the spot to report to His Majesty’s Government as fully as possible upon the circumstances of these cases. As we have no means of communicating with Villa I am to request whether you would be so good as to instruct your Consular officers at Juarez or Chihuahua, if there be no objection, to inform him of the intentions of His Majesty’s Government and to request assurances from him that the British Consul shall in no way be interfered with or molested.
Meanwhile, I have ordered the British Consul at Galveston to proceed to El Paso which is in his Consular district, where he will converse with British subjects and others from whom information can be obtained and will await further orders.
It would also in Sir E. Grey’s opinion be very satisfactory to popular sentiment in Great Britain if a public enquiry were conducted in United States territory to which foreign witnesses should be admitted and which might be published to all the world. It would appear evident that such a public enquiry conducted under the authority of the United States, whether of an official legal character or not, would usefully supplement the enquiry to be held under your orders by the American Consul at Juarez as it would give an opportunity for the hearing without risk to witnesses of that side of the question in which foreigners are interested more than Mexican officials.
It would of course be a further satisfaction to public opinion abroad if the British Consul, though not taking part in the enquiry, be present to watch it.
Sir E. Grey is very anxious that in making this communication to the United States Government I should make it clear that there is no implication that that Government can be held legally responsible for acts supposed to have been committed in Mexican territory by General Villa. There can of course be no question of such legal responsibility, but Sir Edward Grey is sure you will fully understand the excitement that has been roused in England at what has happened [Page 852] and share Sir Edward Grey’s feelings of sincere and profound regret. He is also sure that you will understand that His Majesty’s Government has no choice but to apply to that of the United States as they alone are in the position to exercise any influence to discover the truth and to provide that justice should be done.
I am [etc.]