File No. 312.11/7063.
Consul Alger to the
Secretary of State.
No. 698.]
American Consulate,
Mazatlan,
November 23, 1915.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose copies of
messages and replies to same regarding the sacking of Los Mochis,
Sinaloa; the fleeing of the American colony to Topolobampo; and the
request for protection.
I have [etc.]
[Page 849]
[Inclosure 1—Telegram.]
[Untitled]
[The same as Inclosure 1 with Mr. Alger’s No. 697 of November 19,
supra.]
[Inclosure 2—Telegram.]
[Untitled]
[The same as Inclosure 2 with Mr. Alger’s No. 697.]
[Inclosure 3—Telegram.]
General Muñoz to
Consul Alger.
San Blas,
November 19, 1915.
Referring to your attentive message of even date [Inclosure 1], allow
me to inform you, that at all times every guaranty has been afforded
the Americans at Los Mochis. The carrying out of operations has
caused the temporary retiring of forces from that vicinity, where
practically no protection was needed from us. For some time some
Americans ably aided by the Company have been in accord with the
Indians, their imprudence even going so far as to bring in on
various occasions arms and ammunition, as is proven by original
documents in my possession. Although they themselves have brought
about the evils from which they are now suffering, you must admit
the serious injury we are compelled to suffer by such acts, for, in
addition to the lives of brave soldiers who have been killed, there
have also been lost those of honorable laborers who have worked for
the welfare of the same company, repaying thus, not only the
guaranties that have always been given them but also the hospitality
and riches which our country has bestowed on them.
Notwithstanding the foregoing I am disposed to grant them every
protection that is without prejudice to exemplary punishment of
those who have infamously exploited the lives of our brothers.
By wire I am giving most urgent orders to General. Nájera to give the
necessary protection to the Cocoyolitas Ranch, asking you to
continue informing regarding same. I am resolved to give all and
every protection.
Respectfully,
[Inclosure 4—Telegram.]
General Muñoz to
Consul Alger.
San Blas,
November 20, 1915.
I have received information that the Commander of the American war
vessel Annapolis, at anchor in the bay of
Topolobampo, has landed armed men on Mexican soil without permission
of the respective authorities, and after sending them to Los Mochis
they took advantage of the circumstances to insult the force of
Hernandez that I have at Topolobampo for the protection of the lives
and interests, not only of Mexicans, but also of foreigners in that
section.
I energetically protest against these acts and I consider it highly
unlawful and against the national dignity, and I advise you that
forces operating in that region, in case they meet with armed men
not belonging to the Constitutional Mexican Army will meet with the
same fate as enemies, for we will not permit foreign soldiers to
enter with arms Mexican territory without previous consent of our
superiors. The city of Topolobampo, justly indignant, has
energetically protested against acts mentioned and the Mexican
Government will not be responsible if an outbreak takes place
between Mexican and foreigners at that place. I ask you to do all in
your power to avoid a repetition of landing of armed men from the
Annapolis.
Respectfully,
[Page 850]
[Inclosure 5—Telegram.]
Consul Alger to
General Muñoz.
Mazatlan,
November 22, 1915.
Commander of Annapolis advises me that up to
now not one single armed man has been landed on Mexican soil from
the Annapolis. He also assures me he has no
knowledge of any insult to Hernandez. American citizens on shore are
carrying arms for their protection, this on account of lack of
protection from Mexican authorities. I again request that you take
measures to protect lives of Americans at Topolobampo.
