File No. 812.00/4519.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, July 29, 1912—4 p.m.
I submitted a copy of Department’s July 28, midnight, to the Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning, calling his attention to the extreme gravity of the situation, the possibility of extensive and appalling outrages to American persons and property, the consequent profound indignation in the United States, and the difficulties of controlling the border population under such circumstances. Mr. Lascurain showed great concern and promised to act immediately to alleviate the situation. He immediately consulted with the Minister of War and General Huerta, and wrote me that Huerta said the Federal forces will occupy Casas Grandes district probably within two days and will immediately give preferential attention to Americans and their interests. The Minister expressed his deep regret that the seditious and revolutionary elements are so lost to patriotism and humanity as to harm foreigners, particularly Americans, and declared that their acts are strongly repugnant to the Mexican people.