File No. 312.11/1209.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, February 28, 1913—midnight.
58. Mr. de la Barra began our interview today by saying that he wished our conversation to be considered as friendly and unofficial [Page 749] and not for a moment binding the Provisional Government in any wise, as it was simply an exchange of ideas to lead to a definite settlement.
He first took up the Chamizal case. * * *1
As I started to leave he expressed the hope that in view of the earnest efforts the Provisional Government was making to meet our wishes and to establish order our ships might be retired from Mexican waters and our activity on the border moderated.
I replied that our military preparedness had no reference to the question between Mexico and my Government, but was aimed solely to afford protection to Americans and other foreigners in the event that the naval force was not able to meet its obligations.
I added, further, that if it should become evident that I could not accomplish promptly and effectively the instructions of my Government in, these matters I intended to tender my resignation, as I had been working for two years to get justice and was not disposed to wait two weeks longer.
This latter statement seemed to cause a profound impression, as I intended it should.