File No. 812.0144/53

The Secretary of State to the Mexican Ambassador ( Bonillas)

My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note No. A–1294, of February 11, 1918.

The communication bearing your signature is phrased in language which I can not but regard as discourteous and not befitting the friendly relations which it has always been the aim of this country to foster with Mexico.

I therefore return the note to you, thus affording you the opportunity to couch it in terms more consonant with diplomatic usage in the correspondence between friendly nations.

I am [etc.]

Robert Lansing