File No. 812.00/18098
Generals Scott and Funston to the Secretary of War
13. We have just returned from informal conference with Obregon and Amador, Mexican Foreign Office. The First Chief had telegraphed from Mexico that reported Lajitas incident may have so changed situation as to have made it improper to ratify agreement. Conferees were informed Lajitas incident was found after investigation to be untrue. Mexicans then asked if raid in Big Bend Rio Grande last Friday would prevent ratification of agreement. We answered in effect that while this tended to prove present inability of Mexican Government to protect our border yet we were willing to go on with ratification. Mexicans asked for adjournment to telegraph this to Mexico hoping for answer and another conference to-morrow. This was acceded to. Emphasis was put on our sincere intentions and the fact that we are desirous ourselves to leave Mexico when we can safely do so, and the way to bring about this result at the earliest possible date would be to carry out at once their promises to safeguard our border and we would carry out the spirit of agreement, not seizing a pretext for delay after Mexicans had really brought about safety on our border. They were also informed that Salazar is reported at Janos with six men waiting for us to withdraw our troops so the Mexicans about Casas Grandes, Galena, et cetera, can begin depredations once more.
- Scott
- Funston