File No. 812.00/17080
The Secretary of State to Special Agent Silliman
Washington, January 12, 1916, 4 p.m.
Department informed railway communication between Durango and Torreon interrupted, with no hope of resumption within 30 days; that three large steel bridges have been destroyed: and that between 2000 and 3000 Villistas are operating along the railroad. Four thousand Carranza troops in Durango, owing to reported friction between their leaders, show little disposition to improve the situation. It appears also that these troops are not being paid and are living off the country.
Urgently bring the foregoing to the attention of General Carranza and request that he order immediately adequate forces to vicinity of Durango, Torreon and Gomez Palacio in order to prevent a repetition of outrages.