File No. 812.00/14501.
The Secretary of State to the Brazilian Minister to Mexico.
Washington, March 6, 1915—9 p.m.
508. Your telegram No. 383, March 4, 5 p.m.; and your No. 386, March 4, 11 p.m.
[Page 660]We have been anxious and perplexed over the statements in your dispatches and have concluded that the best course at present is for you immediately to see General Obregon and present to him a most earnest and emphatic note in the following sense:
The Government of the United States has noted with increasing concern the reports of General Obregon’s utterances to the residents of Mexico City. This Government believes they tend to incite the populace to commit outrages in which innocent foreigners within Mexican territory, particularly the City of Mexico, may be involved. The Government is particularly impressed with General Obregon’s suggestions that he would refuse to protect not only Mexicans but foreigners in case of violence and that his present decree is a forerunner of others more disastrous in effect. In this condition of affairs the United States Government is informed that the City of Mexico may soon be evacuated by the Constitutionalist forces, leaving the population without protection against whatever faction may choose to occupy it, thus shirking responsibility for what may happen as a result of the instigation to lawlessness before and after the evacuation of the city.
The United States Government is led to believe that a deplorable situation has been wilfully brought about by Constitutionalist leaders to force upon the populace submission to their incredible demands and to punish the city on account of refusal to comply with them. When a factional leader preys on a starving city to compel obedience to his decrees by inciting outlawry and at the same time uses means to prevent the city from being supplied with food, a situation is created which it is impossible for the United States to contemplate longer with patience. Conditions have become intolerable and can no longer be endured. The Government of the United States therefore desires General Obregon and General Carranza to know that it has, after mature consideration, determined that if, as a result of the situation for which they are responsible, Americans suffer by reason of the conduct of the Constitutionalist forces in the City of Mexico or because they fail to provide means of protection to life and property, the Government of the United States will hold General Obregon and General Carranza personally responsible therefor. Having reached this determination with the greatest reluctance, the Government of the United States will take such measures as are expedient to bring to account those who are personally responsible for what may occur.
A similar message has been sent to Vera Cruz for delivery to General Carranza.