File No. 812.6363/344
The Consul at Tampico ( Dawson) to the Secretary of State
I have just returned from the southern oil fields. Property damage at present consists of destruction by fire five bridges on Huasteca Railroad, crippling rail communication between company terminal San Gerónimo and camps at Cerro Azul and Cahiabo well. Also repeated cutting water line feeding Cerro Azul pump station, with consequent shutting down of pumps yesterday. Pelaez forces probably are responsible for all of above. Carranza troops have destroyed nothing, but have confiscated draft animals, money, and commissary supplies at will without offering payment or receipt. Threats of personal violence also made. Government claim of control of Pelaez territories is true only in that its forces operate at will. No battle has been fought. Pelaez not defeated nor forced to a general retreat. His forces also operate at will in scattered bands with little opposition, using guerrilla warfare tactics. Oil company chiefly apprehensive of prolongation of military campaign. Embassy advised.