812.512/3139: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Mexico (Summerlin)
159. Consul Vera Cruz reports state treasury threatens to embargo property of Hard and Rand, and El Potrero Sugar Company, both American concerns unless taxes already paid to persons in de facto authority be repaid within three days.
Consul Guadalajara reports similar demand made upon National Paper and Type Company, an American concern, and that local authorities have gone so far as to close Post Office boxes on which rental was paid to revolutionists, unless repayments made, this including box rented by the Consulate, and that Government has assumed control of leading newspaper now known as El Radical and refuse[s] to recognize subscriptions theretofore paid.
In view of assurances given by Mexican Chargé this capital and of clear principles of international law with which these acts directly conflict, Department cannot suppose otherwise than that such acts have been committed by local authorities without the approval of the Central Government. You will therefore request that the Mexican Government issue definite instructions to all local authorities that they must not indulge in such proceedings against American citizens. You will bring this urgently to the attention of the Foreign Office, insisting that because of the urgency of the situation affecting many American citizens, appropriate action be taken at the earliest possible moment.