File No. 812.512/538.
The Secretary of State to Vice Consul Bevan.
Washington, January 15, 1915.
Sir: Referring to recent correspondence in the matter of the payment of taxes by the foreign oil companies, you are informed that the Department is in receipt of a telegram dated January 11, 1915, from the American Consul at Vera Cruz, Mexico, reporting that the Foreign Office has sent a communication to the Governor of the State of Vera Cruz, in which he manifests surprise that foreign oil companies ask protection when they are aiding the rebels and alleging that some of the stockholders are in arms against the Government notwithstanding the latter’s efforts to establish order. Before protecting the companies it would be necessary to make them account for conduct, punishing them for hostility.
The Consul adds that no reason is given for requiring these companies to make a second payment of their taxes.
I am [etc.]