Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 7, 1915

File No. 812.512/616.

The Secretary of State to Special Agent Silliman .

[Telegram.]

Department of State,
Washington , April 26, 1915 .

St. Louis and Oaxaca Iron and Steel Company, American concern, reports it bought seven years ago for $33,000 gold, iron and timber lands State Oaxaca located seventy-five miles from railroad, undeveloped and only potential value; have never paid any revenue; annual tax heretofore $750 gold; annual tax now imposed $14,000 gold.

Bring to attention appropriate authorities; request to be informed whether State Oaxaca under their control and if so what action they intend to take with reference to this clearly confiscatory tax.

Bryan.