812.001C13/62: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Governor of Texas ( Moody )
Referring to the Department’s telegram of July 20 last and your reply of July 22 I desire to inform you that on the third instant the Mexican Ambassador here informed me that John A. Valls, Prosecuting [Page 513] Attorney of Webb County, Texas, again threatens to arrest General Calles, former President of Mexico, in connection with the murder of General Blanco on June 7, 1922 at or near Laredo, Texas, and apparently this time on alleged ground that Calles is a material witness in the case. General Calles, who will arrive at New York December 10 from France, is expected shortly to return to Mexico.
When a similar threat was made in July last the Mexican Ambassador pointed out that on the date of the alleged crime General Calles was within territorial confines of the Republic of Mexico and consequently outside of the jurisdiction of the State of Texas. Department’s present information shows definitely that General Calles is carrying a diplomatic passport issued by his Government on July 12 last, which bears a diplomatic visa issued by an appropriate authority of this Government.
The Department has today been reliably informed that Mr. Valls has recently stated that he will personally accompany deputies to General Calles’ train and break in the door of the Pullman if General Calles passes through Laredo; also that he will telegraph warrant for arrest to other parts of Texas if Calles passes through elsewhere. Department is further informed that Valls will not recognize General Calles’ diplomatic passport and the visa appearing thereon as affording him immunity.
Since any interference with General Calles’ liberty and safety while traveling through the State of Texas would seriously embarrass this Government, I shall greatly appreciate it if you will cause suitable steps to be taken to obviate any action in the State of Texas which might be prejudicial to the present friendly relations between this Government and the Mexican Government.