File No. 812.00/18018
Special Representative Rodgers to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor to state, in explanation of recent telegrams concerning the general state of affairs in Central Mexico, that reports as to bandits, train robbers, train wrecks caused by bandits, robberies of a general character and lootings, as well as evidence of antagonism to Americans, have been made to me so frequently of late as to indicate that a very bad condition obtains in the States of Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Durango and of course, Chihuahua. In the three States first named American business has practically ceased, the mines having been closed and all other American properties which could be suspended having been shut down. I caused investigations as to many of the reported incidents to be made and in each case found that the facts were even worse than reported. The Government apparently is unable to control the situation and therefore it is to be expected that serious results may follow at any time.
Under these conditions I telegraphed to the American Consuls at Aguascalientes and San Luis Potosi that I advised them to use their own judgment as to remaining in the district. Previously I had advised great watchfulness and consultation with American interests. As reported to the Department in another despatch, the American consular agent at Guanajuato resigned his office and removed to Mexico City. He representing to me that living in Guanajuato any longer would, for an American, be very inadvisable.
In view of my general knowledge of the situation in that portion of Central Mexico I concluded that there was no other possible course than to advise the consular officers and Americans to use their own judgment as to leaving. I am very sure that sufficient protection would not and could not be afforded them in event of the conditions developing into the serious phase that would seem probable.
I trust that this action will have the approval of the Department and that it will be recognized that affairs in Mexico at present rather than improving in the region named, are apparently steadily getting worse and therefore that reasonable precaution should be taken.
I have [etc.]