812.00Detention/23
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War (Good)
My Dear Mr. Secretary: In reply to your letter of March 28, 1929,34 inquiring with respect to the disposition of Mexican Federal troops now detained at Fort Bliss, Texas, it is my understanding that the President’s directions as conveyed at the Cabinet meeting held on April 2 are as follows:
- (1)
- All Mexican troops now detained at Fort Bliss whether components of Mexican Federal forces or “volunteers” or civilians associated with such forces, are to be released at once and handed over to the custody of the Mexican Consul General at El Paso, Texas for such disposition as he may desire to make.
- (2)
- All arms and ammunition which were in the possession of those Mexicans detained at Fort Bliss at the time they entered the United States are to be held for the time being at Fort Bliss.
In view of the foregoing, I should appreciate it if you would be good enough to issue telegraphic instructions to the appropriate United States Army authorities in order that the President’s directions may be complied with as soon as possible.
I should also be grateful if you would request the Commanding General at Fort Bliss, Texas to communicate with the Mexican Consul General at El Paso, in order that the details of the foregoing arrangement may be perfected.
I am [etc.]
- Not printed.↩