File No. 412.00/38.
The Confidential Agent of the Conventionist Government to the Secretary of State .
Washington , September 22, 1915 .
Excellency: The Conventionist Government, which I have the honor to represent, having knowledge of the promises made by Mr. Venustiano Carranza regarding the settlement of claims to be presented by foreign governments for damages incurred in the lives and property of their respective nationals during the period of civil war through which the Republic of Mexico has been passing, believes it pertinent to state, and I do respectfully so state in accordance with instructions received therefrom, that in conformity with Section viii, Article 72 of our Federal Constitution, it is incumbent exclusively upon our Federal Congress to acknowledge and order the payment of national debts. Wherefore, any obligation, even though of a moral nature, entered into by Mr. Carranza, who lacks authorization to represent the country, even in the capacity of simple Executive, would lack validity, and the claims be indefinitely postponed, since the preconstitutional period which the Carranza faction deems necessary in order that the revolutionary reforms may be carried into effect, is likewise indefinite.
The Conventionist Government, conscious of the international obligations of the Republic, admits and accepts as a fact the settlement of the said claims, but considers it necessary to restore previously and without loss of time the constitutional order, among other reasons, so that it may proceed in compliance with our laws to an immediate examination of the said claims.
I have [etc.]