File No. 812.48/3174
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War
Washington , June 15, 1916 .
Sir: I am in receipt of advices from the American Consul at Tampico to the effect that about 200 or more American citizens at that place wish to return to the United States. A large number of these Americans are reported to be absolutely destitute. I have the honor to request, therefore, that a United States transport be immediately despatched to Tampico and to Vera Cruz for the purpose of affording transportation to such American citizens as desire to return to the United States.
It is suggested that the transport be provisioned for 1,000 passengers, as the number from Tampico may be doubled and several hundred may desire to embark from Vera Cruz.
The expense incident to the use of the transport for the purpose indicated will be borne by the Department of State.
I have [etc.]