File No. 812.00/16002.
General Funston to the Secretary of War.
If an uprising should occur without sufficient troops to put it down it will mean the murder of hundreds of defenseless people, the destruction of millions of property and a loss of prestige. These things we cannot afford to risk. The measures I wish to take are largely those of prevention. If there is an adequate force on the ground no uprising will occur or if it does it can be easily put down. If I do not have an adequate force ready for instant use a single act of indiscretion by a subordinate commander on either side may start a conflagration that will extend along the entire border and result in an international crisis. Owing to the great preponderance of the Mexican over the American population all along the border, to the excitable character of the Mexicans and to the vengeful feeling that exists among Americans clue to the recent outrages committed by Mexican band of raiders well known to have been composed partly of Mexican soldiers, the situation as I see it now is likely to give rise to such serious consequences that further delay is dangerous. A reference to my official reports and recommendations will show that I have heretofore been very conservative in regard to calling for more troops largely because I wished to avoid unnecessary expense. The time for economy has passed, more troops should be supplied regardless of expense, and whatever action it may be: proposed to take should be taken at once.