File No. 312.115/118.
The Secretary of State to the Brazilian Minister to Mexico.
Washington, February 25, 1915.
482. Your 345, February 22; 351, February 23, 3 p.m.; and 356, February 23, 7 p.m.
Department telegraphing Canada to request Carranza order immediate reconsideration decree as affecting American citizens and to point out injustice of short time limit and unwarrantedly drastic penalties.
Since decree apparently not discriminatory against American citizens and amount of tax seemingly insufficient to be confiscatory, Department does not consider it would be justified in protesting against decree of that character if issued according to law and with reasonable conditions as to compliance.
Please advise American citizens that if called upon to make payment under this decree they should represent to authorities that [Page 988] matter has been placed before General Carranza with request for reconsideration and ask that pending his decision action be suspended.