File No. 812.00/13225.
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of War.
Washington, September 19, 1914.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of September 15, in which you ask this Department to ascertain from the Constitutionalist authorities at Mexico City their wishes in the matter of having some responsible authority take over the custom house at Vera Cruz, and the municipal affairs of that place, in order that the President’s orders providing for the withdrawal of the American forces at Vera Cruz may be properly carried out.
In reply the Department encloses herewith a copy of a telegram61 which it despatched to the American Vice Consul at Saltillo, who is now at Mexico City, together with replies thereto from the Brazilian Minister at Mexico City62 and Vice Consul Silliman.63
It will be seen from these telegrams that General Cándido Aguilar, Governor of the State of Vera Cruz, is to be designated by General Venustiano Carranza to proceed to Vera Cruz for the purpose of taking charge of that port. It will be seen also that General Aguilar is to appoint the Federal and local officers who are to have control of the public administration of that port, and also the municipal government of Vera Cruz.
The Department of State will be glad to be informed when it will suit the convenience of General Funston to receive General Aguilar for the purpose of arranging the transfer of the functions of government at Vera Cruz, in order that General Carranza may be informed in this regard.
I have [etc.]