Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 5, 1916

File No. 312.11/7668a

The Secretary of State to all American Consuls on Mexican Border

[Telegram]

Department of State,
Washington, May 9, 1916, 6 p.m.

In view possible eventualities, be prepared to advise promptly all Americans in your district to leave immediately for border. In such case, you may assist financially absolutely destitute Americans in leaving, using every effort quietly to notify Americans. If, in your judgement, it becomes unsafe for you to remain, you will close consulate, and place it in custody of French or British Consul, and proceed across border, with American members of staff, taking code, seal and confidential archives with you.

Lansing