File No. 812.512/2058a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico ( Fletcher)
1357. Please seek an immediate interview with President Carranza and present the following request for an extension. As you can understand, immediate action is necessary.
The decree of the 19th of February 1918, which was the subject of the note of April 2, 1918, addressed to Your Excellency, [Page 755] has been again brought to the attention of my Government, together with the decree of the 18th of May 1918, published the 21st of May, the decree of the 8th of July 1918, published the 13th of July and certain fiscal orders, all having reference to the disposition and taxation of oil lands and oil contracts. My Government has been advised of the results of the conferences that have taken place between representatives of Your Excellency and representatives of certain American citizens and corporations, whose properties and rights are affected by the above-mentioned decrees and fiscal orders. It is further advised that Your Excellency has issued two new decrees, the first dated the 31st of July 1918, published the 15th of August, purporting to modify or repeal the decrees of the 19th of February 1918, and the 18th of May 1918; the second, date unknown, published the 10th of August, purporting to modify or repeal the decree of the 8th of July 1918. As the last two mentioned decrees have been published within the past week my Government has not had opportunity to examine their provisions and consider their effect, if carried into operation, upon American interests and property rights in Mexico.
I am instructed to state to Your Excellency that my Government, in view of the fact that an answer to my note of the 2d of April 1918 has not been received, is constrained to call Your Excellency’s attention to that note and to repeat the grave apprehension which my Government entertains as to the possible effect of these various decrees upon the vested rights of American citizens in oil properties in Mexico; and to the necessity which may arise to impel the United States to protect the property of its citizens in Mexico, divested or injuriously affected by the said decrees.
My Government understands that the 15th of August 1918 is the date upon which these decrees will go into effect, and I am instructed earnestly to request Your Excellency to postpone that date, and suspend the operation of all said decrees for and during such a period as will afford my Government ample opportunity to carefully examine and consider their provisions, purpose and results in so far as they affect the rights and properties of American citizens.
Telegraph immediately result of interview. Garfield says Rhoades will arrive in Mexico City on Tuesday evening.