File No. 312.11/7911
The Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State
Washington, June 27, 1916.
Sir: The commanders of naval forces in Mexican waters are now acting under general instructions to take all necessary steps short of actual hostilities to protect Americans and other foreigners in Mexico, to afford asylum to these people on board ship until they can be taken to a port of the United States, and to avoid the landing of any armed force except in case of urgent necessity, such forces to be withdrawn as soon as the purpose for which the landing was made is accomplished.
It is my intention to issue to the commanders of naval forces in Mexican waters whichever of the following instructions your Department may desire:
- First—When opportunity is offered for the transportation to the United States of refugees on board naval vessels, they must either accept such transportation or be put on shore.
- Second—When opportunity is offered for transportation to the United States, refugees on board naval vessels shall be sent north by such transportation whether or not they are willing to go.
Before issuing either of the above instructions, however, I am of the opinion that this Government should notify all Americans in Mexico that should they not leave Mexico at once, this Government [Page 700] cannot be responsible for their safety, and that its efforts to assist in their exit will inevitably be rendered extremely difficult of accomplishment.
I have the honor to request that you inform this Department as soon as possible of your views in relation to this matter.
Sincerely yours,