File No. 812.00/18151
Consul Dawson to the Secretary of State
Tampico, May 13, 1916.
Americans are arriving from interior with report of recruiting activity and Mexican preparations for war. City of Victoria especially mentioned as point of concentration. Similar rumors concern Tampico. Feeling of uneasiness becoming general and British Consul shares therein and has asked my cooperation in the protection of his people. It is generally believed General N. expects war and is preparing his people to expect it. Apropos thereof, ugly rumors circulating of his intentions with respect to Americans, chief of [Page 548] which is threat to round up as many Americans as possible and abandon city with them when the proper time comes. This would not be difficult if we are not forewarned of impending trouble.
Owing to general ignorance of real conditions of affairs and probable solution, men of the colony are discussing plans for defense, in cooperation with ships, believing they are not justified in trusting General N. or awaiting actual emergency of which local authorities are sure to have first knowledge, if de facto Government or its troops force an open breach.