File No. 812.404/65.
The Secretary of State to the Brazilian Minister to Mexico.
Washington, February 21, 1915.
475. Remembering Carranza’s orders that diplomatic representations should be made direct to him, I sent the following telegram to him through Canada yesterday afternoon:
Department is informed from Mexico City that about one hundred eighty priests have been imprisoned by General Obregon for failure to produce half million pesos. So far as we know, no American priest has been included and we are not sure that any foreign priests have been included. Please see General Carranza at once and secure from him instructions which will prevent the arrest of any American priests who may be in his jurisdiction and also every possible assurance of protection for any foreign priests. You will then use the good offices of this Government with him to secure the release of the native priests. Say to him that the employment of such methods for the collection of money are so unusual and so unjustifiable that they arouse worldwide disapproval. We are sure that General Carranza will, upon investigation, give the necessary instructions for the protection of all members of religious orders. Present this matter with all possible earnestness, for it is a very grievous mistake and will be sure to arouse resentment in Mexico as well as here and in other countries. It is possible that the necessary instructions have already been given to General Obregon for the release of these priests, but the matter is so serious that we are sending this telegram.
I repeat it to you for such use as you are able to make of it with Obregon. You will specially intercede in behalf of the Vicar General, and Canada will do the same with Carranza. It is a most inexcusable exercise of arbitrary power.