File No. 812.0144/127
The Secretary of State to the Mexican Ambassador (Bonillas)
Excellency: In further reply to your excellency’s note No. A–2833, of September 10, 1918, concerning a report that on the 11th of August a party of seven American soldiers crossed the boundary line and entered the town of El Mulato, I have the honor to inform your excellency that the appropriate branch of this Government has investigated this matter and has reported in regard thereto that on the night of August 11–12, 1918, six American soldiers from the camp at Polvo, Texas, crossed into the Mexican town of El Mulato, and that, while returning to American soil, they met a Mexican patrol, whereupon an exchange of shots took place, which resulted in the killing of Private Nelson of the American Army. The authorities who conducted the investigation make no mention of the alleged wounding of a Mexican revenue officer, as set forth in your note, nor do they state who began the firing.
Inasmuch as the action of these American soldiers in crossing into Mexican territory was without authority and in direct violation of orders, they have been tried by court-martial, the trials resulting in their being dishonorably discharged from the Army and confined at disciplinary barracks, two for one year, two for three years, and one for five years.
Accept [etc.]