File No. 812.00/15777.
The Acting Secretary of War to General Funston.
Washington, August 16, 1915.
As you have doubtless ascertained from the press, the President is making an earnest effort to have the Mexican situation composed by [Page 804] diplomatic means. Though not changing the nature of the orders heretofore given you nor abrogating the discretion imposed in you to use force if necessary to protect American life and property from Mexican assault from other side of the line, nevertheless the President wishes to impress upon you the necessity of exercising the greatest moderation and caution in the present juncture lest his plans of peaceful solution be nullified by the inception of an armed conflict on the border.