File No. 812.00/11555.
The Secretary of State to Chargé O’Shaughnessy.
Washington, April 19, 1914, 12 m.
762. I forwarded to the President immediately your telegram 865 April 18, 8 p.m., and copy of my reply 760, April 19, 1 a.m., to the effect that a protocol would be objectionable.
The President wires: “Your reply to O’Shaughnessy is exactly what I should have wished it to be. In no case should any concession of any kind in detail or otherwise be made.”
On receipt of your telegram 867, April 18, 11 p.m., saying that Huerta had acceded to the demand but only on condition that you sign a protocol, I talked with the President by telephone. He repeats most emphatically his objection to the signing of any protocol or agreement. He is not willing that the salute shall be fired as a matter of contract, or upon condition that we return it. It must be fired in accordance with international custom as an apology for the insult offered. When it has been fired it will then be the duty of this Government, according to invariable custom, to return the salute; but General Huerta must trust this Government to live up to the requirements of international courtesy.
The proposed protocol of which you sent a copy would be especially objectionable because it was so worded that General Huerta might construe it as a recognition of his Government, whereas the President has notified General Huerta and the foreign nations that he does not expect to recognize General Huerta’s Government.
General Huerta’s acceptance of Admiral Mayo’s demand should be unconditional. As soon as he announces his intention to comply with this demand he can arrange the details directly with Admiral Mayo. Please make plain to him that further negotiations are unnecessary and that the President expects him to accept at once in order that the incident may be closed.