File No. 812.00/17062
Senate Resolution submitted by Mr. Fall
January 6, 1916.
Resolved, That the President be requested, if not incompatible with the public interests, to inform the Senate upon the following subjects and to transmit to the Senate the documents, letters, reports, orders, and so forth, hereinafter referred to:
First. Is there a government now existing in the Republic of Mexico; and if so,
Second. Is such government recognized by this Government; how is such government maintained, and where; who is now the recognized head of such government, and is the same a constitutional government?
Third. By what means was the recognition of any government in Mexico brought about, and what proceedings, if any, were followed prior to and resulting in recognition, in any conference between this country and Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, and any other country or countries?
Fourth. What assurances has the Government of Mexico given this Government as to its course in protecting American lives and property in Mexico and in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California; and, if such assurances have been given, what evidence has this Government of the ability of such Government to fulfill its promises and obligations in the premises?
Fifth. What orders or instructions have been issued to our officials and armed forces on or near the Mexican border for the protection of the lives, property, and peace of American citizens along said border?
[Page 464]Sixth. What assurances have been received from the Mexican Government, or requested by this Government, as to payment of American damage claims for injury to life or property of our citizens resulting from the acts of Mexico or citizens of that country within the past five years?
Seventh. What assurances have been given by the Mexican Government as to the protection of foreigners and citizens, and particularly in the free exercise of their religion, in public or in private?
Eighth. Reports of the Brazilian minister to Mexico made to this Government by letter or otherwise while said minister was representing this Government in Mexico; also reports of American consuls and consular representatives in Mexico during the past four years, together with reports from any special or other sources of information available or in hand concerning or relating to Mexican affairs and conditions, or to Mexican officials or military and factional leaders; reports of the actions of the Red Cross in Mexico, and their reports to this Government.
Ninth. Data, letters, and reports relating to the closing of the port of El Paso and reopening same to importations of meat from Juarez, and also to the setting aside or revocation of any decrees or orders of Villa concerning mining property.
Tenth. Information concerning the occupation of Vera Cruz by our land and naval forces; duration of such occupation; our administration of affairs during such occupancy; and the date and cause of the evacuation of Vera Cruz, with all correspondence concerning such evacuation.