File No. 812.00/17866
Mr. Arredondo to the Secretary of State
Lic. Eliseo Arredondo,
Washington, D. C.
[Marginal note by the Secretary of State: “Handed me by Mr. Arredondo Apr. 13, ’16, 2.45 p.m. R. L.”]
After the Secretary for Foreign Affairs had sent you his message, the Secretary of War received a telegram from Gen. Gutierrez at Chihuahua informing him that it was impossible to restrain the people from attacking the American force that entered Parral, and the fight was still going on, many having been killed on both sides. General Obregon is sending orders to cease fighting, but such is the excitement of the people that I am not sure that the fighting can be stopped.
Inform the Secretary of State that what has occurred is consequent upon the imprudence of the American officer who entered Parral without permission, contrary to the orders of this Government, which prohibit the entry of American forces into towns.
Impress the Secretary of State with the impossibility of any longer keeping American forces in our territory, since there may be even more serious results therefrom than the present one, which we should prevent at all hazards. Present such reasons as you may deem expedient to bring to an end the situation created by the presence of forces in our territory.