File No. 312.11/7405a
The Secretary of State to all American Consular Officers in Mexico, including Parker, Mexico City, excepting border Consuls
Washington, March 11, 1916, 11 p.m.
Supplementing Department’s March 10, 6 p.m.1 While it is not believed de facto authorities will permit or countenance any [Page 685] hostilities toward Americans, yet in view of the possibility of individual misunderstanding of the motives of this Government and the danger from irresponsible persons the Department advises that, if in your judgment conditions warrant such action as a precautionary measure, all Americans in your district should immediately leave for the border or nearest port. In such case you may assist financially absolutely destitute Americans in leaving, using every effort quietly to notify Americans and discreetly to impress upon the authorities that this action is being taken solely from motives of friendship and to save possible embarrassment to both Governments.
If in your judgment it becomes unsafe for you to remain, you will close consulate and place it in custody of French or British Consul and proceed with American members of staff to border or place of safety, taking code, seal and confidential archives with you. Advise Consular Agents to take same action.
Use this authority with great discretion, avoiding all publicity.