File No. 312.11/8201
Vice Consul Blocker to the Secretary of State
Department’s November 6, 5 p.m. Called on Mexican authorities this morning and impressed upon them the extreme necessity of [Page 678] receiving definite information of Americans at Parral. In interview a message was shown me from General Murguia dated Escalon advising his capture that place after severe fighting on Tuesday and that fifteen hundred Villistas defending the town had fallen back toward Jiminez. Authorities express doubt that Murguia will be able to obtain definite information until the capture of the town, but have sent urgent telegrams to him on the subject. I have also telegraphed British Vice Consul at Torreon to do all possible and wire results immediately.