File No. 812.63/50a.
The Secretary of State to Special Agent Carothers.
Washington, April 15, 1915.
Have examined the new order issued by Villa forfeiting mining property if not worked to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Fomento. In view of the fact that the law does not prescribe a certain amount of work but leaves the matter to the discretion of officials without right of appeal to any court, you will please bring the matter to the attention of Villa and say that it seems likely to operate as confiscation of property. Ask for a suspension of the order in so far as it affects foreigners, in order that we may more fully present the objections.