File No. 312.51/68.
Vice Consul Silliman to the Secretary of State.
Tampico , July 24, 1914, noon .
Referring further to the attitude of the revolutionists toward the Catholic priesthood, especially Jesuits, and also to male teachers in schools of the faith:
They are regarded as having been almost unanimously enemies of the ideals of the revolution and perniciously active in their interference in secular affairs. While it is not intended to go to extremes they may expect stern measures and little consideration from the new democracy. Their property will not be confiscated, but it may be occupied; and being occupied by the revolutionists army it may be held indefinitely for the state. The view taken of the Catholic Church is essentially radical. Reference is frequently made to measures found necessary by other republican governments in dealing with the Jesuits and it is stated that the reform laws of Juarez have been disregarded. It is considered prudent that for the present at least diplomatic representatives of Spain, France, Italy earnestly urge their nationals engaged in religious work in Mexico to retire from the country.