File No. 812.00/15741.
The Secretary of State to
the Secretary of War.
Department of State,
Washington,
August 17, 1915.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith, for
your information, copies of two telegrams from the Mine and Smelter
Operators’ Association, of El Paso, in regard to the valuable services
rendered by General Scott in inducing General Villa to promise, that no
further molestation of foreign mining and smelting interests in northern
Mexico would be permitted.
The Department is glad to bring these communications to the War
Department’s attention.
I have [etc.]
[Inclosures—Telegrams.]
The Mine and Smelter Operators’
Association to the Secretary of
State.
El Paso,
August 12, 1915.
Sir: In accordance with the suggestion in
your telegram of August 6, that this Association keep in close touch
with the representatives of your Department during negotiations with
General Villa as to his proposed drastic action regarding foreign
mining and smelting interests in the territory dominated by his
forces, we are pleased to advise you that subsequent to General
Scott’s interview with General Villa, committee of this association
discussed freely and
[Page 939]
on a
friendly basis with General Villa the present situation confronting
him, with the result that General Villa has announced that no
drastic action of any kind will be taken against these interests and
that they will be permitted to continue their business without
molestation. On behalf of this association, which comprises
practically all of the foreign mining and smelting interests of
northern Mexico, we desire to thank you for the prompt and effective
action taken on our behalf. In this connection we wish to mention
particularly, the effective work and influence of General Scott, to
whom in a great measure this satisfactory outcome is due.
Respectfully,
The Mine and Smelter Operators’
Association.
[Untitled]
El Paso,
August 12, 1915.
Referring to our telegram sent you earlier in the day with reference
to the outcome of conferences just terminated with General Villa,
and after a discussion at a meeting of the Mine and Smelter
Operators’ Association held here this afternoon at which practically
all interests were represented, it occurs to say that we are
particularly impressed by the peculiar ability of General Scott to
make friends with and to gain the confidence of such men as now
dominate the political affairs in Mexico. We cannot but feel that
this peculiar ability of General Scott might be utilized with good
effect in dealing with the other factional leaders in Mexico, in an
effort to bring about a peaceful solution of the Mexican
troubles.
The Mine and Smelter Operators’
Association.
