Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 5, 1916

File No. 812.512/1044

Special Agent Silliman to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Guadalajara , February 24, 1916, 4 p.m.

4. Pending written reply to my representation conveying Department’s February 21, 6 p.m., mining decrees.

Foreign Secretary said on the train this afternoon:

First, the Mexican Government cannot comply with the request of the Government of the United States to annul the present mining decree nor can it modify the decree at this time. Second, the Mexican Government does not consider the Department’s construction of the Mexican constitution in the matter as tenable. Third, the Mexican Government must consider payments made for mining taxes due and receipts given therefor as a complete liquidation.

Silliman