File No. 812.00/17830
Collector Cobb to the Secretary of State
Following from Letcher, phoned by Edwards:
April 12, 4 p.m.
General Gutierrez has just received report that American troops numbering 140 have entered Parral with the result that there has been an exchange of shots between soldiery and citizens and American troops giving thereby a [Page 515] serious aspect to affairs. He states that the sudden appearance of these at Parral has provoked this conflict and that he did not forewarn military authorities because of ignorance of this body’s whereabouts and unbelief that they would penetrate so far and requests that orders be given to military commander to withdraw until appropriate understanding can be reached. I am trying to reach General Pershing by phone at Cusi. Telegraph line to San Antonio down.
Letcher