File No. 812.00/16170.
The Secretary of War to the
Secretary of State.
War Department,
Washington,
September 13, 1915.
The Secretary of War presents his compliments to the Honorable The
Secretary of State and has the honor to inclose herewith copy of a
telegram received from General Funston, September 10, 1915, and a copy
of a telegram sent to General Funston, September 11, 1915.
[Inclosure 1—Telegram—Extract.]
[Untitled]
Fort Sam Houston,
Texas,
September 10, 1915.
Adjutant General Army,
Washington, D. C.
664. If approved by War Department I propose to issue following
order: incorporating [in cooperation?] with Customs authorities to
prohibit the crossing of live stock from Mexico into the United
States except at regular customhouses; to prohibit the crossing of
individuals of whatever age or sex except at licensed ferries and
international bridges and to seize and turn over to immigration
authorities all persons caught in the act of crossing at prohibited
points; to establish at all licensed ferries and international
bridges in cooperation with the immigration authorities a system of
military examining posts under charge of officers who will be
instructed to prevent the crossing from Mexico into the United
States of all male persons capable of bearing arms who cannot
satisfy the officer in charge and the immigration officers that
their intentions in coming to the United States are legitimate; also
to prohibit crossing into United States of any armed persons of any
age or sex.
All officers and enlisted men on border patrol have been warned to
avoid exposing themselves any more than absolutely necessary for the
proper performance of their duties, thus reducing to the minimum the
danger of drawing fire across the international boundary from
irresponsible parties on Mexican side.
Instructions have already been given directing officers in command
along the river to warn state rangers and sheriffs’ posses to keep
from international boundary except in cases where they may actually
be in pursuit of marauding bands; also directing that where state
and county officers and United States soldiers may be engaged
together in repelling fire from Mexican side the senior military
officer or soldier present will assume absolute control.
[Page 811]
It is believed that with the force now at my command the enforcement
of the above orders will in course of a short time largely reduce if
not prevent the activities of armed bands who may be either
marauding bands or outlaws and horse thieves from American side. It
is well established that heretofore many individuals composing
bandit bands who have given us so much trouble have been made up of
persons crossing from Mexican side and getting arms from concealed
stores on American side and then starting on prearranged raid. When
pursued and hard pressed either by sheriffs’ posses, rangers, or
soldiers the bands have broken up and recrossed into Mexico.
Approval by wire of above instructions is requested.
[Inclosure 2—Telegram.]
[Untitled]
Commanding General, Southern Department,
Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
579. Your 664 approved by Secretary of War. Work with civilian
authorities and keep within the law.
