File No. 812.00/17062
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War
Washington , January 17, 1916 .
Sir: The President has directed the Department of State to prepare a reply to Senate Resolution dated January 6, 1916, requesting certain documents, letters, reports, orders, and so forth, in regard to the Mexican situation.
Two paragraphs in the said resolution read as follows:
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 Mexican border.
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.
I shall appreciate it if you will have prepared for me a statement embodying the orders given to General Funston in connection with the protection of American life and property on the Mexican border, and any pertinent facts, as above indicated, concerning the occupation and evacuation of Vera Cruz by the military forces of the United States.
A similar letter, mutatis mutandis, has been sent to the Secretary of the Navy.
I have [etc.]