File No. 701.1211/189
The Secretary of State to Ambassador Fletcher
Washington , April 21, 1917, 3 p.m.
The President, on April 17, accorded formal recognition to Señor Bonillas as Ambassador of the de facto Government of Mexico. In reply to the remarks by Señor Bonillas, President stated United States has none but the best interests of Mexico at heart; that he would welcome the day that brings him convincing evidence that a Constitutional Government has been established in Mexico, both willing and able to afford to American citizens and their property the same measure of protection and to apply to them the same impartial administration of justice that is afforded and is applied to nationals or the citizens or subjects of other foreign countries. The President added that the United States asks no more, and can, of course, accept no less.