File No. 812.00/12136.
Secretary Dodge to the Secretary of State.
the United States, near the Mediators.
Niagara Falls, N. T., May 20, 1914.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Justice Lamar, Mr. Lehmann and I paid an informal call this morning on Mr. Da Gama and Mr. Naón, Mr. Suárez not having arrived but being expected this evening. They explained at length their proposals for the procedure of the mediation; that they would hold separate sessions with the American and Huertista representatives, of which no stenographic report would be taken, and sessions with all the representatives, but only as occasion might require.* * *
At 3:30 p.m. the inaugural session was held, both our representatives and the Huertista representatives being present. Mr. Da Gama made the opening speech, welcoming the representatives and expressing ardent hope for the success of the mediation. Mr. Justice Lamar made a brief reply, expressing thanks for the Mediators’ interest and reciprocating the Mediators’ hope for success. Mr. Rabasa also made a brief reply, expressing thanks to the Mediators in the name of the “representatives of the Mexican Government.” The Mediators then submitted the method of procedure for the conference which they stated had been agreed to by both sides and which was the same as that which our representatives had agreed to in the morning. The session then adjourned, the Mediators inviting our representatives to meet them at 9:30 this evening, previous to which they expected to have a meeting with the Huertista representatives. At 9:30 p.m. we had a conference with the Mediators, a report of which will be telegraphed this evening.
I have [etc.]