File No. 812.00/18949a
The Secretary of State to Special Representative Rodgers
Washington, August 15, 1916, 1 p.m.
293. Please communicate at once to General Carranza that the delay in appointing Commissioners for the Joint Commission is due to the fact that most of the men of the caliber and prominence which this Government desires in its Commissioners are so engaged as to prevent their acceptance of appointment; that the President prefers delay rather than to appoint men who are not of the highest standing in the United States; and that it is hoped the appointments will be announced within a few days. You may also express the hope that the Mexican Government will appreciate the wisdom of the President’s course and will not misconstrue the delay which has taken place in the selection of the United States Commissioners.