File No. 811.0144/105
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico ( Fletcher)
Sir: The Department quotes below a letter dated November 5, 1918, from the War Department, reading as follows:
The Secretary of War presents his compliments to the Honorable the Secretary of State and has the honor to convey information concerning the entering into the United States and the stealing and carrying away of property of United States citizens by armed Mexicans in the Big Bend district, Texas, between Ojinaga and Pilares.
Information has been received that small bands called sociales have been organized by Carranzistas for the purpose of regularly crossing the border and stealing horses and cattle, which bands are known to and recognized by the military officials of the Mexican Government in this district. It is believed that some of the raids have been led by officers holding commissions in the Carranzista forces, and it is known that some of the stolen horses have been turned over to and used by Mexican officers. The Mexican officials in this district seem either unwilling or unable to check these raids which are growing more frequent and more daring in their execution.
It is earnestly recommended that this matter be made the subject of formal complaint to the Mexican Government with a view of not only improving the conditions set forth, but also of securing the removal and punishment of the Mexican officials responsible for permitting the continuance of the depredations described.
You are instructed to lay this matter before the Mexican Government and earnestly to request it to take prompt action, with a view to improving the lawless conditions set forth in the War Department’s letter, adding that your Government does not doubt that such Mexican officials in the districts of Ojinaga and Pilares as may be responsible for raids upon American property in the Big Bend district will be properly dealt with by the Mexican Government.
I am [etc.]