File No. 812.00/6271.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, February 19, 1913—10 p.m.
16. The President of the Republic and the Vice President have resigned and their resignations are now before Congress, which of course will accept them. By law the executive power will devolve upon Mr. Lascurain, who has not had an opportunity to resign. He will hold office a few moments and then General Huerta will be proclaimed Provisional President and will immediately announce the following Cabinet:
- Foreign Affairs, De la Barra.
- Hacienda, Toribio Obregón.
- War, General Mondragón.
- Fomento, Robles Gil.
- Gobernación, Garcia Granados.
- Justice, Rodolfo Reyes.
- Public Instruction, Vera Estañol.
- Communications, De la Fuente.
I went to see General Huerta this afternoon to get guaranties for public order and to learn the exact situation. He gave me satisfactory assurances and explained that Gustavo Madero had been killed by soldiers, without orders. General Huerta said that the President and Gustavo Madero had twice tried to assassinate him and had held him a prisoner for one day. He asked my advice as to whether it was best to send the ex-President out of the country or place him in a lunatic asylum. I replied that he ought to do that which was best for the peace of the country.
Note.—The Provisional Government of General Huerta begins here.