File No. 312.93/70.
Minister Reinsch to the Secretary of State.
Peking, April 25, 1914.
Chinese Chargé d’Affaires in Mexico has cabled Foreign Office expressing fears as to safety of 30,000 Chinese residing in Mexico, 20,000 of whom live in Mexico City, and has asked what protective measures should be taken on the appeals of his fellow citizens. As United States has hitherto exercised good offices for the protection of Chinese subjects in Mexico, Chinese Government desires to consult Department in the premises. Foreign Office fears that if rioting should occur Chinese would suffer greatly as Mexicans are not friendly towards them. Removal of so many people to place of safety appears to be out of the question because of the heavy expense involved.
While the Legation on the general principles involved in the situation could hold out no expectation that the American Government could assist in protection outside areas actually occupied by it, the matter is referred to the Department for such suggestions as it may desire to bring to notice of Chinese Government.