File No. 812.00/12796a.
[Untitled]
Washington, August 8, 1914.
Word comes from the City of Mexico that the breaking off of negotiations and the return of the delegates has caused great excitement and that the army is disposed to resist the entrance of the Constitutionalists unless assured of their personal safety. We have advised Carbajal through his representatives here to communicate directly with Carranza in the hope that the two may reach an agreement that will bring about what the President has all along urged, namely a peaceful transfer of the government to the Constitutionalists. This is desirable not only from the standpoint of humanity but also because the employment of force by the Constitutionalists when force is unnecessary will embarrass this Government very much and increase the difficulties which the new government will have to meet. We are sure that Carbajal is willing to waive all conditions excepting amnesty to political offenders and guaranties of life and property. Doubtless the guaranties of life and property could be so worded as not to interfere with anything that the Constltutionalists [Page 582] might regard as necessary for the establishment and maintenance of orderly government.