File No. 812.00/2075.
The American Ambassador
to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, June 3,
1911.
No. 621.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose to the
Department herewith, for its information, in connection with the dangers
to which it seemed Americans and American property would be exposed in
the event of a mob outbreak in this city, a copy of my note to the
Mexican
[Page 498]
foreign office in
which it is intimated to the Mexican Government that unless adequate
protection were afforded that Government would be held liable for all
loss of life and damage to property.
I have [etc.],
[Inclosure.]
The American
Ambassador to the Minister for
Foreign Affairs.
Mexico, May 13,
1911.
No. 545.]
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, having in mind
my duty to American nationals in this city, that in the case of
American lives or property being injured as the 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 cases of claims for damages, the burden
of the proof to the contrary.
I avail [etc.],
