File No. 312.11/7873
Vice Consul Blocker to the Secretary of State
Sixteen Americans arrived this morning from Torreon at three a.m. Conferred with Dr. Boran in charge of party and learned following:
[Page 671]Sunday 18th, under agitation of de facto military and civil authorities, consulate at Torreon was stoned for several hours by mob numbering three thousand persons consisting of civilians and soldiers. Shield was torn down, front of building destroyed and furniture demolished. Mob was led by mayor of Torreon in person accompanied by a regimental band and escort of soldiers shouting, “Death to the Americans!” After demolishing consulate they marched to German club and made speeches proclaiming friendship to Germans and hostility to United States. Dr. Boran states that upon request British Vice Consul O’Hay, General Santos commanding de facto forces in Torreon, furnished special car attached to military train of General Murguia who arrived Piedras Negras yesterday, for their use and urged that they leave immediately. Their trip to border was without any mishap and no insults were received from Mexicans en route. About all Americans in Torreon are now out.