File No. 812.00/13269a.
The Acting Secretary of State to Vice Consul Silliman.
Washington, September 17, 1914, 6 p.m.
War Department is making preparations to withdraw American troops from Vera Cruz and desires to have some responsible persons [Page 600] designated by the Constitutionalist authorities to take charge of the custom house and the municipal government of Vera Cruz. With respect to the latter, if it is not within the province of the central government at Mexico City to designate the officials to whom the city government should be turned over, it would be possible for General Funston to select from the eligible residents of Vera Cruz officials to fill the various municipal posts, and then turn the government over to the officials so selected. Confer at once with General Carranza and telegraph definitely and fully his wishes regarding these matters.