File No. 812.00/6354.
The Secretary of War to the Secretary of State.
Washington, February 25, 1913.
Following telegram of February 24, 1913, from Commanding General, Southern Department, San Antonio, Texas, repeated for your information:
The following telegram just received from the Governor of Texas:
Captain Head, whose company of National Guards has been on duty at Brownsville for several days, sends me the following telegram:
“Brownsville, Texas, February 24. Just received message from Consul Johnson, Matamoros. Can you authorize me to cross river at order of Consul to protect consulate and American interests? Demand made upon Americans for money tonight. Answer.”
Captain Head has confirmed request by telephone. I am repeating to you his message for your information.
Governor Colquitt has just telephoned me that Mexican commander at Matamoros has 750 troops and has threatened to blow up the American consulate if the $20,000 demanded is not forthcoming by midnight. In view of the above, am I authorized to send a troop or two of the Third or Fourteenth Cavalry by rail to Brownsville. Please rush answer.
Following telegrams this date to Commanding General, Southern Department, San Antonio, Texas, repeated for your information:
Replying to your telegram relative to conditions at Brownsville. You will not permit United States troops to cross river under any circumstances unless specifically ordered by the Secretary of War. If, in your opinion, conditions at Brownsville warrant sending a troop of Fourteenth Cavalry or other troops under your command to that point, you are authorized to do so. Any troops sent to Brownsville will be governed by the general instructions governing United States troops at other points on the international border.
Notify Governor Colquitt, in reply to his telegram, that you have received authority to send United States troops to Brownsville.