File No. 812.00/2020.
The American Ambassador
to the Secretary of State.
American Embassy,
Mexico, May 26,
1911.
Serial No. 586.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose to the
Department, at the same time referring to my telegram of the 16th
instant,1 copy in
translation of a note from the Mexican foreign office, referring to the
matter of the safety of Americans and other foreigners resident in this
city and stating that all possible measures of precaution against damage
to them have been taken.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
The American
Ambassador to the Minister for
Foreign Affairs.
American Embassy,
Mexico, May 13,
1911.
Mr. Minister: Representations have been
made to me to-day by a large delegation of American merchants and
business men residing in the City of Mexico, relative to the
inadequate protection which, in case of danger being threatened to
life and property by the disorderly elements of society, the
Government of your excellency could afford. It is stated by these
informants that the military and police forces which the Government
has at present at its command in the city are not sufficient to cope
with any formidable attack which might be made, and they have
expressed to me their deep apprehension relative to the security of
the foreign element in this city.
While I am sensible that your excellency’s Government is at the
present moment involved in the gravest difficulties, and while it
gives me the greatest regret to intrude these matters upon your
excellency’s attention, I am obliged to say to you that in case of
American lives or property being injured as a result of turbulent
disturbances my Government will be obliged to assume, prima facie,
that insufficient protection has been afforded and place upon the
Mexican Government, in all cises of claims for damages, the burden
of the proof to the contrary.
I avail, etc.,
[Page 493]
[Inclosure 2.]
The Minister for Foreign
Affairs to the American
Ambassador.
[Translation.]
Department for Foreign Affairs,
Mexico, May
16, 1911.
Mr. Ambassador: I have your excellency’s
note of the 13th instant, by which you have been pleased to advise
me of the fears of a large delegation of merchants and business men
of the United States which called at the embassy on the
above-mentioned date.
I can assure your excellency that the interests and persons of
American citizens and members of other foreign countries in the City
of Mexico are not in any way in danger of suffering any injury at
all, as the necessary precautions have been taken to prevent not
only the perpetration of attacks, but also the slightest
disturbances.
Therefore your excellency may appease the minds of the merchants and
business men who called at the embassy and inform them that the
Government will endeavor by all means to avoid any danger for them;
but in the remote case that an incident of that class should happen,
your excellency may be sure that the Government will at the same
time prevent the injury and try the case in accordance with the
provisions of international law and in view of the circumstances
attending the incident.
I reiterate, etc.,
