File No. 812.6363/162.

Vice Consul Bevan to the Secretary of State.

No. 1345.]

Sir: Referring to my despatch No. 1344 of January 14, 1915, I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a telegram received [Page 874] by Daniel Perez, the local Inspector of Petroleum, from Pastor Rouaix, Sub-Secretary in charge of the office of the Secretary of Fomento, Colonization and Industries, giving an official interpretation of the recent oil decree ordering the companies to close down their operations.

I have [etc.]

Thomas H. Bevan.
[Inclosure—Translation.]

[Untitled]

Replying to your message of yesterday, you may abide by the text of the decree on petroleum as published in El Pueblo. Article 1 refers only to work begun. Such operations must be suspended; not the operation of properties in actual production, and much less those who have paid all taxes and imposts up to date the suspension of which would cause serious damage. The object is to prevent the continuance of drilling further wells and prosecuting further construction without the authorization referred to in said decree.

Pastor Rouaix.