Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 5, 1916

File No. 812.516/127

Mr. Parker, representing American interests, to the Secretary of State

[Telegram—Extract]

Mexico City, September 10, 1916, 10 p.m.

388. Am informed that demand has been made on the Banco Nacional, almost entirely French capital, and on the Banco Londres y Mexico, almost entirely Spanish capital, for the specie redemption by each of some 200,000 pesos in their respective issues of banknotes at par, that is, in silver or gold. Par value is practically fifty cents United States currency, whereas market value is about eighteen. My informant states that he understands that some of the government officials are financially concerned.

Parker