File No. 812.63/15.
The Acting Secretary of State to the Brazilian Minister to Mexico.
Washington, October 16, 1914.
297. Your September 28, 11 a.m.
Please state to appropriate authorities the view of this Government that its citizens who acquired title or interest in mines or mining rights in Mexico, or instituted or carried on proceedings looking to such acquirement during the Huerta régime in strict conformity with and under regularly established and applicable previously existing mining laws of Mexico, should not be bound by decree annulling such proceedings or acquirements or requiring them to make repayment of amounts required by Mexican laws during such period, and that American citizens holding titles so incepted or acquired should have [Page 725] reasonable opportunity to make proof that their titles are in conformity with such laws.
This statement, however, is not to be understood as applying to persons who claim directly or indirectly title or interest in mines or mining rights which they have acquired since January first, nineteen thirteen, by reason of cancellation of contracts, leases, or other forms of conveyance, or by reason of confiscation or taking, by de facto authorities, of mines or mining rights in which American citizens or other foreigners are interested on ground of default in contractual obligations or non-compliance with legal requirements, provided such default or non-compliance was unavoidable because of military operations or political disturbances in Mexico.