File No. 812.404/134.
The President to Cardinal Gibbons .
August 21, 1914 .
My Dear Cardinal Gibbons: I have your letter of August eighteenth. Alas, I am sorry to say that it is not true that “one word from me to the Constitutionalist leaders would have a great effect and would relieve the sad condition of affairs” in Mexico with regard to the treatment of priests, for I have spoken that word again and again.
My influence will continue to be exerted in that direction and, I hope, with increasing effect. For the present, apparently, we shall [Page 1007] have to await the subsidence of the passions which have been generated by the unhappy condition of the country.
Cordially and sincerely yours,