File No. 812.6363/205
The Secretary of State to Special Agent Silliman
Washington, February 1, 1916, 4 p.m.
Bevan telegraphs following: [Here follows telegram of January 25, 1916, 3 p.m. from Vice Consul Bevan.]
Ask General Carranza whether decree issued by his authority, and if so, whether it is intended to be temporary or permanent in its nature, and what are the reasons for issuance. Add that this Government reserves right, after further consideration, to protest against application decree to American citizens and in any event cannot regard as binding, so far as American citizens are concerned, provisions against seeking protection of Governments of interested nationals.