File No. 812.00/18206
Special Agent Silliman to the Secretary of State
Saltillo, May 20, 1916, 4 p.m.
Governor called me for another private conference at noon to-day. He said that while the Mexican Government had no notice from the Government of the United States that an armed American expedition has entered into this State it appeared to be generally known that such an expedition had actually entered. He said that he wished to repeat again to me in the most friendly way and with a desire to avoid international trouble that if such an expedition had entered, it should be immediately withdrawn as his peremptory orders were to attack and commanders in the field have been so instructed. Said that nearly all forces of the State have been ordered north to pursue bandits and patrol border; that a column of cavalry was en route to Boquillas del Carmen and expected to arrive at that place within two days. All arguments and reasons including Department’s [Page 552] suggestion submitted to him, politely received, but produced no impression. The only point made was that on a presumption that troops had crossed and having accomplished their purpose were withdrawing or about to be withdrawn, the situation would be altered, but even in that case I was informed that First Chief would have to define the attitude to date taken by the Mexican troops. Governor at my request agreed to ask General Carranza by telegraph this afternoon for permission to halt column proceeding to Boquillas until the situation could be communicated to Secretary of State. Mexican communication with this column is only through Texas and courier to column. There is no communication with other columns except by courier. This telegram repeated urgent to Mr. Rodgers.