Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 5, 1916

File No. 812.00/17894

The Secretary of State to Special Representative Rodgers

[Telegram]

Department of State,
Washington, April 17, 1916, midnight.

44. Received from Consul, Chihuahua, the following:

[Here follows quotation of Mr. Letcher’s April 17, 11 a.m.]

You will communicate this information to General Carranza and express the earnest hope of your Government that local authorities will be restrained from negotiating in regard to a matter which should be treated only by their Government. It is believed that action of the municipal president will cause much Villista sentiment. Impress upon General Carranza the seriousness of the situation and endeavor to have him restrain his local commanders from independent action.

Lansing