File No. 812.404/82.
Vice Consul Coen to the Secretary of State.
Durango, March 13, 1915.
Sir: * * * I have the honor to report that the records in this office show no incidents during the year 1914 strictly within the title of this despatch [outrages upon priests and nuns and desecration of church property]. In June, 1913, when the revolutionary forces took the city of Durango, there were desecrations of church property and some abuse of priests here, according to reliable information and the records of the office. However, during the year 1914 the following incidents happened, and as they were measures directed against the Catholic Church it may be well to make note of them.
[Page 1024]- 1.
- On February 5, 1914, a decree was issued by the Provisional Governor expelling from the State all priests of the Jesuit order “for intriguing in favor of the Huerta government”. * * *’
- 2.
- On May 9, 1914, a decree was issued by the Government of the State of Durango prohibiting the return of any Catholic priest or of any member of the former volunteers known as the Defensa Social, on the ground that their emigration from Durango was proof of their enmity toward the revolutionary cause.
- 3.
- At various times during the year, property owned by priests or by the Catholic Church, including mortgages, was confiscated and the rents and proceeds taken by the authorities. [Instances.]
- 4.
- In May 1914 the Constitutionalists took charge of the Colegio de Jesus Maria in Torreon and used the building and the grounds for a barracks. * * *
Personally, nor upon information, I do not know of any other incidents in this consular district during the year 1914 relating to the subject-matter of this despatch.
I have [etc.]