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

File No. 812.6363/257

The Secretary of State to Mr. Parker, representing American interests

[Telegram]

Department of State,
Washington , January 27, 1917, 1 p.m.

635. Reported by Commander of gunboat Nashville at Tuxpam that Manuel Pelaez, operating in oil district, is demanding from American oil companies large sums of money, and that Carranza commanders in vicinity Tuxpam threaten to burn American properties and shoot managers thereof if any evidence is obtained that such payments are being made.

Bring foregoing promptly to attention appropriate authorities, pointing out that some of the companies may be compelled by force of arms to make such payments, and urgently request that de facto commanders in oil district be definitely instructed not to molest American properties or their managers. Inform authorities that this Government will appreciate it if such instructions can be forwarded at once by telegraph.

Lansing