File No. 312.112R56/9.
The American Ambassador to
the Secretary of State.
No. 1247.]
American Embassy,
Mexico,
February 2, 1912.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for
the information of the Department a copy of a letter from this Embassy
to the American Consul General in this city, relative to the protection
desired by Mr. G. P. Robinson of the Suriana Mining and Smelting
Company, as indicative of the attitude of the Embassy towards requests
for protection by American citizens in districts which the Mexican
Government has declared as subject to martial law.
I have [etc.]
[Inclosure.]
The American Ambassador
to the American Consul General at Mexico
City.
American Embassy,
Mexico,
February 1, 1912.
Sir: I have to acknowlege the receipt of
your letter of the 30th ultimo transmitting a copy of a letter
addressed to you by Mr. G. P. Robinson, Superintendent of the
Suriana Mining and Smelting Company, situated at Acotla, State of
Guerrero.
This Embassy, upon the request of Mr. Westlund, of the Suriana Mining
and Smelting Company, some time ago secured the dispatch of a number
of soldiers to the neighborhood of its properties for the purpose of
furnishing protection to it in the event of the retirement of the
forces of Jesus Salgado in that direction before the advancing
Federal forces. The Suriana Mining and Smelting Company, therefore,
not only had anticipatory knowledge of the possibility that their
property would be placed in a position where the Federal Government
would not be able to render adequate aid but it had evidence of the
Government’s good intentions in the force which was furnished and
which has recently been attacked and dispersed by the Salgado
forces. Under the existing circumstances Mr. Robinson and the
Suriana Mining and Smelting Company are entitled to the same measure
of protection which the Mexican Government can afford to its own
citizens in a district which has been declared subject to martial
law. Clearly it was the duty of Mr. Robinson some time ago to have
sent his family to a place of perfect security, and it is his duty
now so to do if possible. Americans in Mexico are entitled under the
rules of international law to the same rights and treatment as are
accorded by the Government to Mexican citizens, and as the Mexican
Government has declared a state of siege in this district it has
virtually confessed that it can not afford adequate protection to
Mexican citizens. This Embassy greatly regrets Mr. Robinson’s
unfortunate situation and will make proper representations to the
Mexican Government in his behalf, but it is manifest that the aid
which the Government can render will be inadequate pending the
reassertion of its authority and the installation of responsible
representatives of the law.
I am [etc.]
