File No. 812.00/6319.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, February 21, 1913.
23. In the absence of instructions and in view of the extreme urgency, I assembled the Diplomatic Corps last night relative to the recognition of the new Government. This step was necessary in view of the fact that we are invited to meet the President at noon today, when an exchange of brief addresses is expected. My colleagues, all of whom are without instructions, agreed that recognition of the new Government was imperative, to enable it to impose its authority and reestablish order. I shall accordingly unite with my colleagues, believing I am interpreting the desires of the Department and assisting in the tranquillization. I am sending a circular telegram to all consuls advising them of the situation and instructing them to do all possible to bring about a general acceptance of the [Page 727] Provisional Government. I trust this action, taken under difficult circumstances, will meet with the approval of the Department.