File No. 812.00/11556.
The Secretary of State to Chargé O’Shaughnessy.
Washington, April 19, 1914, 1 a.m.
760. Your 865, April 18, 8 p.m. The President is out of town. Cannot reach him before eight o’clock tomorrow morning. Am sure [Page 471] however that he would not be willing to have you sign the protocol mentioned. The salute should be fired without any agreement as to the return salute. The United States can be relied upon to do its duty in the matter according to international custom and courtesy. In addition to other reasons signing of protocol would be objectionable because it might be construed as recognition of his Government whereas the President has no intention of recognizing the Huerta Government.