File No. 812.00/3090.
[Untitled]
Mexico, March 7, 1912—10 p.m.
The American colony in Mexico City held a meeting to-day and appointed a committee to act in conjunction with the committees of other colonies for the protection of foreign interests. As the local authorities have advised all foreigners to arm for protection and as the governor of the Federal District has advised me of his willingness to arm the foreigners, and as other diplomatic representatives are attending the meetings of their nationals, I deemed it my duty to be present and during the meeting, which was attended by from 500 to 1,000 men, I counseled all Americans to a strict observance of the law, obedience to local authorities, avoidance of participation in Mexican politics, and to tender their services to the local government solely in the interest of law and order and for the protection of life and property. This rule will be strictly observed by all foreigners. I think it advisable that the Department should advise me exactly what my course should be in this situation.