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

File No. 312.115/252

The Secretary of State to Consul Canada

No. 893

Department of State,
Washington , May 19, 1916 .

Sir: The Department has received your despatch No. 1452 of April 28, 1916, enclosing a copy and translation of a printed communication over the names of the Colonel Chief of Arms, I. P. Laxaide, and the President of the Board of Civil Administration, Jesus Marin, calling upon certain persons and firms to contribute certain amounts to be used in the purchase of American corn.

You will protest to the appropriate authorities of the State Government against the action of the Colonel Chief of Arms and the President of the Board of Civil Administration in virtually attempting to collect forced loans from American citizens for the relief of the poor, and you will add that, if it has become necessary to raise funds for this purpose, the authorities should resort to proper means of taxation provided for by law.

If the authorities persist in their attempt to collect forced loans from American citizens, you will advise the Department.

I am [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:

Wilbur J. Carr