File No. 812.00/14144.

Special Agent Carothers to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]

I have great faith in Generals Scott and Villa reaching an agreement on Naco situation and at the same time probably arriving at the settlement of entire border difficulties. In order to facilitate matters I strongly recommend that General Scott be permitted to call upon Villa freely in Juarez and Villa be permitted to come to El Paso, Texas. This would not only strengthen good feeling already existing but would avoid humiliating Villa by forcing him to come to this side each time a conference is desired. Conferences on international bridge are not practicable. Villa comes here animated by keen desire to preserve existing friendly relations and if General Scott is permitted freedom of action he will secure everything he desires from Villa.

Carothers.