File No. 16948/21.
Ambassador Thompson to the Secretary of State.
Mexico City, April 6, 1909.
Mr. Thompson says that he has been informed by the Mexican foreign office that Rodriguez is still in custody, but that amparo proceedings have been begun for his release; that it was hoped that the man might be held without question and extradited even though the papers arrived out of time; that they were received to-day, 27 days late. Mr. Thompson says the foreign office further stated that it had subjected itself to serious criticism by its violation of the law in not ordering the man’s release at the expiration of the 40 days and that [Page 416] the enforcement of the law which must necessarily follow amparo proceedings will release him, and that the only way he can be held is under rearrest on a new complaint giving other reasons for request.