File No. 812.00/21924
The Secretary of State to the Mexican Ambassador ( Bonillas)
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s note No. A–1799, of April 20, 1918, in further relation to [Page 564] the reported activities, on American soil, of Villistas and other marauders, whose object is to cross the international boundary and create disturbances in Mexico.
You transmit two clippings from La Republica, a newspaper published at El Paso; and you invite my attention to marked portions of these clippings asserting that “it has been announced officially that Washington will entirely disregard Carranza and his administration” and, further, that the Government of the United States “as a measure of coercion and as a reprisal, will refrain from taking notice of a new rebellious movement against the Mexican Executive.” You ask me to furnish you with an explicit declaration in the matter.
In reply I have the honor to inform your excellency that no such announcement has been made by this Government. Your excellency will doubtless agree with me that neither Government should give serious thought to the many rumors that are constantly being circulated, in newspapers and otherwise, by irresponsible persons along the border whose object appears to be to stir up trouble between the United States and Mexico; and it would, therefore, seem unnecessary for me to make further denial of the statements appearing in the clippings.
I have sent a translation of your note to the appropriate branch of this Government, for such action as may be deemed proper under the law.
Accept [etc.]