File No. 812.00/6277.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, February 20, 1913—6 p.m.
18. The installation of the Provisional Government, with the personnel indicated in my No. 16 of February 19, 7 p.m., took place amid great popular demonstrations of approval. A wicked despotism has fallen, but what the future contains can not now be safely predicted. The new Government will be inaugurated this afternoon and General Díaz will immediately turn over his forces to the Federal Government. So far no other executions than those reported to the Department have come to the knowledge of the Embassy. At the request of the wife of the ex-President I visited General Huerta today, in company with the German Minister, and unofficially requested that the utmost precaution be taken to prevent the taking of his life or the life of the Vice President, except by due process of law. General Huerta replied that he would have sent the President and Vice President out of the country last night but feared to assume the responsibility, in view of the possibility of an attack on the train. He said that every precaution was being taken to guard the life of these two persons and that they would probably be tried, but upon what charges he did not state. Madero, the Vice President and some generals are still confined in the National Palace, and I understand Madero is being severely treated. This feature of the situation I think should be brought to the attention of the President; I suggest that instructions be sent for me to deal unofficially with General Díaz in the matter of reprisals as an intermediary with General Huerta. I urgently recommend the retention of all American warships in Mexican waters until further advices. The Embassy considers that the question of the retention of the vessels should not be left to the discretion of the commanders, who, although competent to judge the situation in the particular ports where they are stationed, which immediately become quiet from their presence, can not have the same sources of information which are available to the Embassy regarding general conditions in Mexico. The presence [Page 725] of our ships has undoubtedly prevented serious trouble in the last few days.
I have this moment had word from Huerta that the ceremonies had just taken place and that everything was going on well. The revolution is now complete as far as the City of Mexico is concerned.