File No. 812.0144/86
The Secretary of State to the Mexican Ambassador ( Bonillas )
Excellency: In further reply to your excellency’s note No. A–1620, of April 11, 1918,1 concerning the crossing, in December last, of American troops into Mexico, I have the honor to inform you [Page 567] that the appropriate branch of this Government has investigated this matter and has reported, in regard thereto, that, on the night of December 27, 1917, a number of Mexican raiders crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico at a point near the Indio ranch, which is situated about 25 miles from Eagle Pass, Texas. These raiders stole approximately 100 goats from the said ranch and then returned to Mexico, their crossing and recrossing being accomplished under the protection of from 30 to 50 armed men stationed on the Mexican side of the river.
A detachment of American Cavalry pursued the raiders, with the view of effecting their capture or destruction. The trail crossed and recrossed the river eight miles below the Indio ranch house, at a place not generally known to be fordable, opposite the Mexican village of San José. Upon close investigation it was ascertained that the goats had been driven off by about six mounted men under the protection of the armed men previously mentioned.
It is further reported that when the detachment which engaged in the pursuit had reached the international boundary, it encountered no Mexican troops by whom the pursuit might have been taken up on Mexican soil. The American soldiers followed the trail as far as San José, Mexico, which is situated about one and one-half miles from the river. Unmistakable evidence of the activities of the raiders were found at the village, including a cow belonging to the Indio ranch.
The only persons found at San José by the Americans during their stay at that place were two men and a woman. Shortly after the detachment entered the village, the American troops were fired upon from three sides, the fire continuing for about 20 minutes, and, when the firing ceased, the body of a Mexican was found near a hut. He had evidently been killed during the action; but it is not known whether he was killed by the fire of the Americans or by that of those attacking them. The three residents mentioned were not molested by the American troops, who almost immediately returned to the United States, recrossing the river before dusk on the same day, namely, on December 29.
Briefly stated, the facts are as follows: (1) These raiders were cooperating with from 30 to 50 armed men on the Mexican side of the boundary, and, as no Mexican troops were anywhere to be found to pursue the raiders, a small detachment of American troops pursued them, from American soil, for a distance of one and one-half miles into Mexico, as a measure of protection for life and property on American territory; (2) the American troops captured no one, made no prisoners, did not molest the residents of San José, and did not fire a single shot until they were fired upon by a number of men, from ambush, while an American officer was questioning the woman mentioned as having been found at San José; (3) the troops returned to United States territory on the afternoon of the same day.
In conclusion, I have the honor to say to your excellency that the only purpose of the American troops in crossing the border was to remove the raiders from the border and to keep them away from American soil. In view of the amicable relations existing between the two Governments and their desire not only to continue but to strengthen these friendly relations, I need not assure you that the [Page 568] action of the American troops was not taken because of any hostile feeling toward the Mexican Government.
I have been advised that the Mexican forces along the international boundary have recently been augmented by your Government, and I sincerely hope that this action will result in improved conditions along the border. You will readily appreciate that a cessation of these raids will be a source of great satisfaction to this Government and obviate the necessity of pursuits by American troops. I feel confident that your excellency’s Government will not fail to recognize that a menace to the well-being of both countries is centered in the lawless bands which have, during the past few years, committed numerous outrages on the territory of the United States, and which, on account of the insufficient border patrol heretofore maintained by Mexico, were able to take refuge on Mexican soil immediately after their objects had been accomplished; and I further hope that your Government may see its way clear to take steps, in cooperation with this Government, to put a stop to the activities of the lawless bands in question.
Accept [etc.]