File No. 812.00/1981.
[Extract.]
Mexico, May 23, 1911.
Sir: * * * At the meeting of a portion of the diplomatic corps representing the countries with large colonies, which I reported in my dispatch No. 535 of May 10, it was determined that, with the approval of the Mexican Government, the foreign colonies should arm themselves and have an understanding for common action for the defense of lives and property against the criminal [Page 490] elements. The approval of the Mexican Government was obtained after an interview between Mr. de la Barra and the representatives of France, Italy, and Spain, and I thereupon, without publicity, appointed a committee of the most representative Americans in Mexico to take in charge the matter of the safety of the American colony. This committee took hold of the matter quietly but intelligently, and has effected a complete understanding with similar representatives from the German and Spanish colonies. Owing to this action, I have no doubt that in the event of disturbances beyond the power of the authorities to control, a fair degree of safety would be assured to the lives and property of foreigners. * * * I have received a large number of anonymous letters and have been privately advised from many sources that in the event of intervention this embassy would be immediately attacked and my life and the life of my family placed in jeopardy, but I have never believed in the existence of any danger whatsoever and have regarded these threats, in common with those which have aroused the apprehensions of the American colony, as designed solely to affect our policy in Mexican affairs. * * *
I am [etc.],