File No. 812.00/1970.
[Translation.]
Washington, May 24, 1911.
Excellency: The consul of the Republic at San Diego, Cal, reports to the embassy that the War Department has again ordered the release [Page 491] of Pryce, declaring him to be an insurgent—that is to say, fighting for political reasons in Mexico.
It is my duty to say to your excellency that the said Pryce, who brazenly published, as is on record in your Department, several advertisements in the New York newspapers calling for the services of 1,000 men to serve in Lower California, is, like Hopkins, Herrick, Milburn, and Ferris, an avowed filibuster and not an insurgent.
The raids of these men in Lower California are under the protection of no political flag, and therefore the Government of Mexico will not deem itself bound to make good claims of any kind on account of damages caused by them if the authorities of the United States, on whatever ground, leave them freedom of action, thus favoring, even though it be indirectly, those adventurers and making it easier for them to commit their assaults on property.
I trust that your excellency, taking into consideration the very grave situation created by the filibusters who came from the United States, will interpose your good offices to prevent such acts escaping punishment.
I take pleasure, etc.,