File No. 312.41/197.
The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador.
Washington, March 18, 1914.
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: Referring to your note of March 16 and to your interview with the Third Assistant Secretary of State [Page 862] on the 18th instant, with reference to the protection of British subjects in territory in Mexico controlled by Constitutionalists, I beg to inform you that the Department is to-day despatching a telegram to Mr. Carothers, informing him of the alarm that is felt lest Villa may commit or permit harsh treatment of British subjects in northern Mexico. Mr. Carothers is being specifically instructed that, as he will be near Villa, he should bear in mind this danger to British subjects and use his influence with Villa in order to prevent any improper acts on his part or failure to extend to British subjects and other foreigners the protection which Villa and Carranza have repeatedly promised.
As to the question of making representations to Carranza, the Department will be glad to keep you informed regarding developments on the subject. Since nothing has occurred to indicate that “a power properly drawn up “will be required by Carranza, this Government infers that this point will not be insisted upon, and, meanwhile, such representations may be made, as heretofore, through officers of this Government.
With reference to that portion of your note in which you speak of the good offices of British Consular officers in different parts of the world in behalf of citizens of the United States, this Government has always been deeply grateful for the many instances in which such good offices by British Consular and Diplomatic officers have been exercised in behalf of citizens of the United States, and the Department is at all times glad to take advantage of opportunities to show its appreciation by extending like courtesies in behalf of British subjects.
I am [etc.]