File No. 812.00/20978
The Mexican Ambassador to the Secretary of State
Washington, June 2, 1917.
Excellency: The town of Ojinaga, Chihuahua, fronting Presidio, Texas, on the other side of the Rio Grande, was attacked May 30 by Villista forces under Ornelas and other chiefs, and after twelve hours of struggle, the Constitutional Government forces, in view of the enemy’s superior numbers had to withdraw and cross the river, gathering at the Mexican Consulate, under the responsibility of the Consular Agent at Presidio, Texas, Mr. Cosme Bengoechea, and with the authorization of the Town Mayor, Mr. Mitchell.
Yesterday afternoon the Villistas evacuated Ojinaga, upon the arrival there of General Figueroa, who is pursuing them, and to follow them up he needs the contingent refuged at Presidio. As Mayor Mitchell states that he cannot permit the return to Mexico of those men without authorization from the State Department, I beseech your excellency to issue the necessary orders so that the authorities of Presidio, Texas, may allow the soldiers who retreated thereto after the fight at Ojinaga, to return to Mexican soil.
With my most sincere thanks [etc.].