Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 7, 1915

File No. 812.512/586.

The Secretary of State to the International Development Company.

[Telegram.]

Department of State,
Washington, March 25, 1915.

If tax not confiscatory and not discriminatory as against American citizens and unless it can be clearly established tax illegally imposed, Department advises payment under protest in money demanded, making protest a matter of record if possible and taking receipts.

Under generally accepted principles international law American citizens owning property in Mexico are entitled pay taxes to persons in de facto authority.

W. J. Bryan.