File No. 312.41/130b.
The Secretary of State to Consul Letcher.
Washington, February 25, 1914.
Following telegram sent by me to-day to G. C. Carothers, 217 Wyoming Street, El Paso, Texas:
As Department has instructed you to stay near Villa, I think it would be well for you to start for Chihuahua to-morrow. Explain to Villa that the killing of Benton has aroused much bitter criticism which nothing can quiet but the fullest and frankest method of dealing with the subject.
Careful examination of the body is very desirable and this can not be made by relatives or by a single American. Examination should be made by two Americans, one of whom would be a medical officer, and there ought to be a representative of the British Government in attendance at the examination so there can be no charge of concealment of such evidence as the examination of the body of Benton will furnish.
It will greatly relieve the situation if the body, after examination, is delivered to the widow.
Impress Villa with the seriousness of the crisis which the killing of Benton “has brought and explain to him our deep interest in having everything done that can be done to satisfy every reasonable demand that foreign governments can make upon us for assistance in the protection of the lives and property of their nationals.
The substance of this telegram has gone to Letcher. In case you find Villa in Chihuahua when you arrive consult with Letcher before interviewing Villa, so that you and Letcher may both have an intelligent understanding of the course to be followed. Bryan.