File No. 812.00/13304.
Special Agent Carothers to the Department of State.
General Villa has to-day telegraphed the following to Generals Blanco, Pesqueira, Buelna, Hay and Medina in Mexico City:
I have taken note of your telegram of to-day in which you request that I suggest some means by which the differences that have arisen between Sr. Venustiano Carranza and the Division of the North may be peacefully settled.
In order to demonstrate to the country at large and the whole world that if I have repudiated the First Chief of the Constitutionalist Army in charge of the Executive Power, it has been because of the firm conviction of his incapacity to reestablish a democratic government.
With the object of avoiding any armed conflict between the revolutionary elements, unprovoked and not desired by me, I propose to you that Senor Carranza deliver the Provisional Government to Senor Don Fernando Iglesias Calderon, in order that he may call the elections. We will support him with the greatest patriotism and all the Constitutionalist forces will collaborate for the complete pacification of the country.
I declare that in all my acts I am guided by no other aspiration than the happiness of my country, and I solemnly reaffirm that I will not accept the presidency or vice presidency of the Republic, either provisional or constitutional.
Confidently expecting your assistance in solving this conflict, I remain [etc.]
General F’co Villa.