File No. 312.115/238
The Secretary of State to the Spanish Ambassador
Washington, February 1, 1916.
Sir: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note of January 21, 1916, in regard to a decree which was recently issued by the de facto Government of Mexico, requiring cotton growers in Mexico to sell their products to a commission appointed by the de facto Government. You say that this decree is causing great hardship to the Spanish cotton growers, and you ask me to instruct the Department’s representative at Mexico City to make representations in the matter.
As it is presumed that you have in mind the cotton growers in the Laguna district, I am glad to inform you that the American Consular Agent at Torreon telegraphed on January 27, noon, that the expropriation of foreign-owned cotton had been stopped.
I am [etc.]