File No. 812.00/13384.
The Acting Secretary of State to the Brazilian Minister to Mexico.
Washington, September 22, 1914, 9 p.m.
252. Certain rumors have reached this Government as to the actions that possibly may be taken by the authorities at Vera Cruz after its evacuation, namely:
The exaction of further payments of duties on merchandise that has passed through the customhouse since the American occupation on which the duties have been paid. The exaction of further payments of local and municipal taxes paid since the American occupation, such as license fees, property taxes, street taxes, etc. The imposition of fines or other penalties upon Mexican citizens who have been employed in connection with the civil government of the city since American occupation.
You are requested to call these subjects to the attention of General Carranza and state to him that this Government, while it does not give credence to these rumors, as such actions would manifestly be unjust, considers that to avoid possible improver conduct by subordinates and to allay misapprehension at Vera Cruz, it is hoped that General Carranza will give a specific assurance in regard to each subject that the rumored action will not be permitted.
You will please intimate to General Carranza the advisability of giving these assurances in definite form and as soon as possible in order that there may be no delay in carrying out the proposed evacuation of Vera Cruz by the American forces.
You will also please call to General Carranza’s attention the fact that there is in Vera Cruz a large number of so-called refugees, among them many priests and nuns, who came there because of apprehension as to their personal safety while civil strife prevailed in Mexico. This Government earnestly hopes that General Carranza will be willing to announce that the Mexican central authorities will not countenance or permit any wanton mistreatment of these people, but will assure them that protection which an enlightened and orderly government affords to individuals within its jurisdiction.