File No. 812.00/17680
The Secretary of War to the
Secretary of State
War Department,
Washington,
March 29, 1916.
The Secretary of War presents his compliments to the Honorable the
Secretary of State and transmits herewith for his information copy of a
telegram which has been directed sent to the Commanding General,
Southern Department.
[Inclosure]
Memorandum for the Adjutant General
The Secretary of War directs that the following confidential telegram
be sent to the Commanding General, Southern Department:
“It has been suggested by the de facto Mexican
Government that Government of the United States shall designate
civilian consignees for military freight from El Paso via Juarez to
points on the Mexican Northwestern R. R. The Mexican Government then
agrees to give orders for quick dispatch of supplies so consigned.
The State Department representative at Queretaro was informed by
official representative of Carranza that latter, for political
reasons, did not wish to give for the present open consent to our
use of Mexican railroad. You will therefore keep this understanding
confidential. Report at earliest possible moment means of civilian
consignees for military freight. You can utilize for this purpose
newspaper men now with Pershing’s force. In order not to attract
attention you will begin by shipping comparatively small quantities
of stores. The Secretary of State has requested that Mexican
Government supply guards for consignments. The Secretary of War
directs that no ammunition be shipped by this railroad. For
ammunition supply you must continue use of motor vehicles as at
present. In view of foregoing Secretary of War decides for the
present not to buy the additional motor trucks
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asked for. If this gradual method of
securing use of railroad does not work auto trucks will be ordered
at once. Nothing can be done until you report names of civilian
consignees to be designated. Therefore, very prompt action
necessary. In order to save time Secretary of War directs you take
this matter up direct with local Mexican commander at Juarez,
informing him of the action of his Government and arrange for
shipment of freight without further delay.”
H. L. Scott,
Major General, Chief of Staff
