File No. 812.00/14703.
The Brazilian Minister to Mexico to the Secretary of State.
Mexico City, March 26, 1915—midnight.
459. Your’580, March 25, 7 p.m. Everything about coming famine as per my 451, March 22, 5 p.m., absolutely true. For this reason and others—including my [omission] of finding a way to mitigate the situation for foreigners and noncombatants in regard to food guaranties, for life and property, means of transportation and postal and telegraphic communication with the outside world, so as to give them the benefits of civilization of which they have been so unjustly deprived for so long—I had conference yesterday with the President and mentioned to him the idea of neutralizing the Vera Cruz highways and the cable service and reminded him [of] that of Federal District, the last being an idea suggested by him some time ago. President warmly adopted these ideas promising to do everything in his power to push them up and have them realized [Page 681] as far as it depended on him. He today made following declarations to the press in which, after stating that this project was inspired by the noble principles of humanity and patriotism and had been under his consideration for some time, he said:
The study and consideration of the project I have taken up in the fervent desire that this capital no longer suffer the horrors of war. In case my efforts are fruitful neither this capital nor the Federal District will witness any hostilities between combatants. The struggle will continue in other sections of the country until a definite triumph has been attained. If the neutralization of the capital and vicinity is secured all factions will solemnly undertake that no troops of the respective sides will occupy this section. My Government, in case of the neutralization of the nation’s capital and the Federal District, will be removed to a site chosen by the Convention. The city of Mexico in such a case will be placed in the power of a governor who will be strictly neutral and who probably will be designated in accord with both parties. The Municipal Council, if my plans do not go astray, will obtain ample facilities to manage the civil affairs of the capital. Should this important measure be brought to a successful conclusion the capital would in no sense be isolated from the rest of the Republic. Trains in every direction would be run regularly. This is a delicate matter. Perhaps my opponents may not be induced to collaborate with me to consummate the noble end in view. For my part I am disposed to sacrifice everything for the welfare of the fatherland. My earnest wish is that this struggle be terminated and that the Mexican people be enabled once more to take up a united labor for the aggrandizement and common good of the country.
I consider the scheme well under way towards realization and perfectly feasible if Department would only efficaciously urge upon Carranza to accept it along the lines suggested, excepting that the government of the Federal District be left in the hands of the City Council in accordance with the principle of autonomy of municipal bodies proclaimed by the Revolution, and never left to a governor appointed in accordance with both parties as mentioned by Garza, because this might cause such a hitch as to kill the entire project on account of disagreements between factions as to the person of the appointee. To avoid this I beg to suggest that the Department try to prevail upon Carranza to let [sic] the City Council in charge of the Government while I will use my good offices near Garza to the same end. This plan will greatly contribute to the peace of mind and well-being of the principal center of the Republic and therefore would be the first decisive step to facilitate the general pacification of the country by affording a place of refuge to all foreigners and non-combatants.
News published here, whether true or false, that the American Government is strongly urging Carranza to accept the neutralization of the Vera Cruz Railway, created an excellent impression on the public, the Diplomatic Corps and foreign colonies, all desiring very earnestly that the neutralization of said line and the Federal District be realized, so Diplomatic Corps could remain with guaranties of respect and comfort and, lines of communication being kept open, would of course address themselves [to] and treat with the different factional leaders in their respective capitals.
I anxiously desire to know if you approve of my views and steps and if you are disposed to cooperate in the execution of the plan as suggested.