Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 4, 1917

File No. 812.63/437

The Secretary of State to Ambassador Fletcher

[Telegram]

Department of State,
Washington, April 5, 1917, 3 p.m.

94. Your 44, March 30, 2 p.m. Endeavor obtain more liberal extension. With reference to statement of Minister of Fomento regarding enforcement decrees, American mining interests in Mexico fear their properties will be confiscated. Department believes Minister’s threat to enforce decrees to be contrary to assurances given you by Foreign Minister and General Carranza to the effect that it is not the intention of the de facto Government to confiscate American properties. Department therefore desires you to make every possible effort to prevent confiscation American properties.

Lansing