File No. 312.41/126.
Consul Letcher to the Secretary of State.
Chihuahua, February 25, 1914.
Department’s February 21. I regret to inform you that telegraphic report of a statement obtained from Villa was suppressed in telegraph office here. Substance is that the Englishman addressed Villa menacingly and abusively and the latter stepped behind him under the pretext of opening door, felt for and discovered pistol on Benton and then sprang upon him. He declared that he himself ordered execution and said nothing of a court martial. The statement was verbal but a written one was promised but has not been received. Villa manifested much irritation and said that he was tired of being worried [Page 853] about such trifling matters and that he would cut the wires to prevent being so troubled further. I am sure that he does not understand gravity of the case and his advisers can do nothing with him.