File No. 812.00/20108
Vice Consul Blocker to the Secretary of State
Consulate is considerably uneasy for safety of Americans and other foreigners at Torreon in view of several private messages received from there yesterday, indicating government forces were considerably alarmed over Villista strength and that Jimenez and probably Escalor, as well as Berminnillo, were under bandit control. Delayed report from British Consul states Government forces from Tlahualilo and nearby points have concentrated in Torreon, and Parral has also been reoccupied by Villa. Several government trains were captured at Jimenez. He is making arrangements with Torreon Smelter for use of locomotives to haul refugees should situation become acute, but at the same time he fears road will be cut and foreigners placed in a trap. He estimates foreign population at eight hundred people, the majority Chinese and Spaniards, whom Villa would undoubtedly murder.