File No. 812.00/18458
Consul Dawson to the Secretary of State
Tampico, June 17, 1916, midnight.
Repeating essential points in manifesto made public 6 p.m. tonight, General N. sent me to-night official notice that entrance into Mexico of any more American troops or sailors will be considered act of war by Mexican Government and hostilities will ensue at once. Also that although such entrance would be violation international law and would oblige his forces to wage war without quarter, he has dictated orders to fully protect Americans who do not take up arms.
Situation extremely tense and it is believed above notice is mere prelude to more aggressive action. Strongly rumored that authorities have received word that hostilities have already begun on border.