File No. 312.115C96/38a
The Secretary of State to Special Agent Silliman
Washington, January 13, 1916, 5 p.m.
You will read the following to General Carranza:
The massacre of Americans near Santa Ysabel has justly caused intense excitement throughout the country and is arousing severe criticism as to the ability of the de facto Government of Mexico to perform its international obligations. Continuance of this attitude of the public mind may create a grave crisis with far-reaching consequences. The only way that this excitement can be allayed is by prompt and vigorous efforts on the part of the Mexican military authorities to capture and punish the responsible parties. To do this a body of troops should be sent in pursuit of the bandits, sufficiently large to insure their certain capture when overtaken. Furthermore, military protection should be immediately furnished Americans now in disturbed region and they should be conducted to places of absolute safety from lawless attacks.
Impress upon General Carranza the vital importance of these steps and of prompt action as the situation is growing more and more critical every hour. General Carranza can prevent the rapid spread of this sentiment by efficient action in this case.