Office of the Historian

File No.812.00/23485.

The Special Commissioners to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]
Niagara Falls, June 22, 1914.

At the meeting this morning the Mediators outlined the new plan discussed by Doctor Naón, stating that it had been assented to by the Mexican representatives here and that yesterday the Mediators had sent a letter to Zubáran inviting him and the other representatives of the Constitutionalists to come to Niagara Falls or such other near-by point that might be desired for the purpose of conferring with the Mexican representatives on internal affairs.

The Mediators then read a formal statement which they propose to make a part of the record, in which they set out that the Mexicans were the “only” persons who could make the adjustment and that they “exclusively” have the right and authority to settle internal differences.

We called attention to the fact that this might close the door against the resumption of the mediation if the Mexicans failed to agree among themselves, and might prove a source of trouble if in that event it should hereafter be found desirable to resume the mediation between the present parties thereto.

To this they assented by striking out the words “only” and “exclusively.” They then proposed general propositions which they thought could at once be protocolized, after which we might take a recess until it was known whether the Mexicans had agreed on internal matters.

We send today their plan, and instead of drawing a substitute have made amendments, thinking it advisable to use their language as far as possible.

We call your attention to the fact that in their Paragraph 3 they say that upon the constitution of the provisional government in the City of Mexico the United States “will consider the international [Page 545] conflict as definitely closed.” If that language is adopted it could be used as a reason why Vera Cruz should be immediately evacuated when the Mexicans agree on the provisional government. We do not know what is your wish in this regard, nor whether in case the Mexicans fail to agree you desire to discontinue the mediation, leaving responsibility for failure upon the Mexicans, or to have the mediation between the United States and the Huerta delegates resumed.

the mediators’ plan.39 the american amendments.39
Paragraph 2. It is understood that the Provisional Government referred to in the foregoing paragraph40 shall be organized in the form and manner determined by the representatives of the two great factions between which the internal struggle in Mexico is taking place. Paragraph 2. The Provisional Government mentioned in the foregoing paragraph40 is that which it is contemplated will be constituted by agreement of the delegations representing the two great parties between which the internal struggle in Mexico is taking place.
Paragraph 3. Upon the constitution of the Provisional Government in the City of Mexico, the Government of the United States of America will consider the international conflict as definitely closed and immediately recognize said Government.
The Government of the United States of America will not in any form whatsoever claim a war indemnity or other international satisfaction.		 Paragraph 3. The Provisional Government being constituted and recognized, the international matters shall be settled upon these terms:
A.
The Provisional Government shall proclaim an absolute amnesty to all foreigners for any and all political offenses committed during the period of civil war in Mexico.
B.
The Provisional Government shall provide for international commissions for the settlement of the claims of foreigners on account of damages sustained during the period of civil war as a consequence of military acts or the acts of national authorities.
C.
The Government of the United States of America will not in any form whatsoever claim a war indemnity or other international satisfaction.
D.
The Government of the United States of America agrees to evacuate the territory of the United. Mexican States now occupied by its military and naval forces within the time and under the conditions to be agreed on with the Provisional Government.
Paragraph 4. The Provisional Government shall organize international commissions for the settlement of the claims of foreigners for damages sustained during the period of civil war as a consequence of military acts or the acts of national authorities.
Paragraph 5. The Government of the United States of America agrees to evacuate the territory of the United Mexican States now occupied by its military and naval forces within the time and under the conditions agreed on with the Provisional Government.
Commissioners
  1. The italicized passage of each plan corresponds with no passage in the other.↩
  2. The italicized passage of each plan corresponds with no passage in the other.↩
  3. For Paragraph 1 see the Commissioners’ telegram of June 11, ante, and Protocol 3 with Mr. Dodge’s No. 25 of July 1, post.↩
  4. For Paragraph 1 see the Commissioners’ telegram of June 11, ante, and Protocol 3 with Mr. Dodge’s No. 25 of July 1, post.↩