File No. 812.00/19848
Vice Consul Blocker to the Secretary of State
Confirmation of reports that General Francisco Murguia with 6,000 de facto troops is advancing north of Escalon was brought to border by an American citizen arriving Sunday. He reports de facto forces are arriving in considerable numbers at Torreon from south and are being rushed to front as quickly as possible. General Murguia is commanding operations. Just prior to leaving Torreon last Friday fighting was reported in progress north of Escalon between outposts indicating Villistas are in charge of Jimenez and probably several towns north of there. On Thursday a Chinaman arrived in Torreon from Jimenez having left there several days before in order to escape execution by Villistas. Chinamen brought news that thirteen Chinese, two Arabs and one American were killed by Villistas upon their entry into Jimenez and that foreigners were being shown no mercy by the bandits. While nothing authentic is known in Torreon as to operations north of Escalon it is believed there that Villistas are still occupying the towns of Parral, Santa Rosalia, Jimenez and Santa Barbara.
Informant states de facto forces are repairing railroad track and telegraph wires as they advance, that it will probably be some time, in the event they are successful, before any information will be obtained regarding Parral. Immediate vicinity Torreon reported quiet and no fear exists of attack on that city by bandits. Consulate has had no later telegrams from General Murguia regarding Americans reported killed at Parral nor is it believed Murguia has occupied Parral as he advised Consulate on Friday last.