701.4112/76: Telegram

The Chargé in Mexico (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

219. This afternoon Chilean Minister informed me that he had been unsuccessful in obtaining revocation of expulsion decree against Cummins. Pie read to me a long note which he had received from the Minister for Foreign Affairs in answer to his representations on behalf of the diplomatic corps. This note embodies the substance of a statement which Mexican missions abroad will issue tomorrow and sets forth the history of the case, denying the diplomatic character of Cummins and insisting on his expulsion. It is the belief of the Chilean Minister that the Mexican Government has determined to resort to drastic measures which even include entry into British Legation tomorrow. Late this afternoon Chilean Minister [Page 450] intended to make another attempt to persuade Mexican Government not to resort to extreme measures. …

Minister said that this noon he had seen orders from President to take immediate action to expel Cummins.

It might be desirable, although it may already be too late, to suggest to British Government the expediency of instructing Cummins to leave Mexico on receipt of passports in due form if Mexican Government can be induced to change its present attitude.

Cummins says that if Mexican Government attempts to enter Legation by force tomorrow he intends to remain until locked doors are forced. Then he will surrender quietly. Meanwhile he will continue to fly the British flag over the Legation.

Schoenfeld