File No. 812.00/18277
[Untitled]
1515. Following received from General Pershing:
Neutral natives Namiquipa at my suggestion organized few days ago small detachment for protection peaceful inhabitants. This detachment working in conjunction with our troops, furnishing guides and information. Location cache Villista arms pointed out by Columbus, N. M., prisoner, arms found by local guard brought in yesterday. Cache consisted four hundred small arms various makes and ten Colt’s machine guns. Organization local guards and their reliance upon us illustrates attitude peaceably inclined people would assume in case of occupation. With protection assured until suppression banditry peaceably inclined citizens would assist us materially. Payment for supplies would distribute much needed money to pauperized natives. Little doubt majority realize impossibility of stable government under present de facto personnel or any other of the contending factions. Many very solicitous that we remain here indefinitely and fearful consequences at the hands of both of bandits and Carranza forces after our departure.