File No. 812.63/125.
The Acting Secretary of State to Special Agent Carothers.
Washington, June 29, 1915.
Department informed by committee American mine owners that Escudero states mining decree of March 19 last is in effect and will be applied unless exemption made in specific cases.
Referring to previous reports in which you stated that you were about to proceed to Chihuahua for final adjustment of this matter and that in meanwhile decree would not be applied, at least to foreigners, please advise at once what action you have taken and result of your representations.
This decree appears on its face to be important step towards ultimate confiscation of foreign-owned mining property, and Department desires you to use your utmost efforts to have it repealed.