File No. 312.115/255a
The Secretary of State to Special Representative Rodgers
Washington, June 20, 1916, midnight.
151. It is reported that Mexican authorities in the northern part of Coahuila have seized or purpose to seize thousands of head of stock owned by Americans on ranch or ranches near International Railway, running out of Eagle Pass. Please call attention of General Carranza to this report and state that this Government is loath to believe that this is done by his orders at a time when the relations between the two countries are so critical and that it is requested and expected that he immediately direct that the orders of seizure be countermanded and if acted upon already that the stock be returned without delay. The seizure of American property by officers of the de facto Government at this time would appear to be of questionable friendliness and would increase the seriousness of the present situation very materially and make more difficult any possible adjustment.