File No. 312.11/7415
Mr. Parker, representing American interests, to the Secretary of State
267. Department’s March 11, 11 p.m., and previous telegrams. Local situation has been quiet so far, although this morning there are some signs of excitement. Some Americans are sending their families out in response to urgent telegrams from relatives in the United States. While the local situation does not yet justify any general exodus of Americans, the majority of those now remaining feel that they should be supplied with more facts as to international relations the better to enable them to determine whether or not they should leave and suffer losses of homes, property and business. The Americans here at present are those whose entire business interests and responsibilities require their presence in Mexico or those who are destitute. Of the latter there are some three hundred and fifty. With such a large number, probably a thousand in all, it would be impossible to avoid publicity in any warning to leave. There is also the question of transportation not only from ports in Mexico to the United States, but more especially from Mexico City to any port or border point.
In the event that I should be compelled to leave, either on the Department’s instruction or as a result of action by the local authorities, to whom shall I deliver the representation of interests and the Embassy and Consulate property? The confidential archives of the Embassy are quite bulky.