File No. 812.00/11532.
The Secretary of State to Chargé O’Shaughnessy.
Washington, April 17, 1914, 12 m.
754. Replying to your telegram No. 858, April 16, 11 p.m. Please represent to General Huerta that we can act only after he has lived up to the requirements of the occasion. A simultaneous salute would deprive his action of its significance. We are disappointed that he does not recognize in the arrest of our sailors a clear violation of international rights. We expect this recognition as an assurance for the future. Please express to him our gratification that he is ready to meet the full terms of international courtesy, and say to him that we hope that there will be no further discussion as to the exact method of an exchange of salutes. That method is fixed by clearly defined international practice. It could in no circumstances be a subject for discussion by such a tribunal as that of The Hague. General Huerta can rest assured that the full courtesies will be observed on our part and that we will in no respect depart from accepted international practices. You will discuss the details of the arrangement with Admiral Mayo.