File No. 312.11/1073.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, February 12, 1913—noon.
Americans driven from their homes by the firing or by the occupation of their homes by troops have thronged the Embassy this morning. I anticipate that their number will increase and probably other nationalities will seek the Embassy’s protection. As the sanitary conditions resulting from this would become intolerable, I am distributing the larger number among adjoining houses, allowing to remain here at night only those who can sleep in beds or on sofas. Will the Department please advise me whether I am authorized to extend a general supervision over and care for these people?