412.11 C 8315/–: Telegram
The Chargé in Mexico (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:55 p.m.]
307. Joseph de Courcy, American citizen and local correspondent of the New York Times, informed Embassy last night that he had been arrested by agents of Ministry of the Interior, no charges having been preferred. This morning he sent message to another American newspaper correspondent to the effect that he was to be deported this evening but did not give place of present detention.
Consulate general has made inquiries both at police headquarters and at local prison but has as yet been unable to locate De Courcy.
Embassy has taken matter up twice this morning with Foreign Office in view of the report that arrest was initiated by Department of Federal Government, but Foreign Office alleges that it has no information. I requested personal interview with Acting Minister of [Page 254] Foreign Affairs who knows De Courcy and who has said he esteems him, but Estrada was unable to see me. Chief of Diplomatic Department has reminded Embassy however that Government can expel foreigners without giving cause.
Since writing foregoing Chief of Diplomatic Department has telephoned to say that member of Embassy may see De Courcy at police headquarters at 4 p.m. today. I shall send one of the secretaries and shall telegraph Department subsequently. Suggest that De Courcy’s arrest be communicated to New York Times.