File No, 839.00/1136.
The Secretary of State to Minister Sullivan.
Washington, April 4, 1914, 5 p.m.
Your April 3, 1 p.m. Department approves publication of extract quoted. Too much emphasis cannot be placed on these two points: (1) that the President of the United States feels strongly that the best results will be accomplished only by officers of the Government who are chosen by the people. (2) that changes in laws and in personnel of the Government should be by constitutional methods and not by revolution. The professional revolutionist enriching [Page 224] himself at the cost of his country is a curse and there can be no permanent prosperity while he is allowed to practice his profession. Arias is a smuggler and revolutionist and as such has been hampering the Government of the United States in the fullfillment of its obligations under the Convention of 1907. It is for these reasons that this Government desires that his activities along these lines be definitely stopped.
Inquire at once how many soldiers Bordas will use and how much they will cost per day and report by cable.
Request Peynado to give you an unofficial estimate as to number of soldiers he thinks necessary to subdue rebellion and secure his opinion as to estimate of moneys to be devoted to this cause.
The situation will be laid before the President at once.