File No. 812.00/6487.
The Secretary of War to the Secretary of State.
Washington, March 3, 1913.
Following telegram, March first, from Commanding General, Southern Department, San Antonio, Texas, repeated for your information:
Following telegram from Colonel Guilfoyle, Douglas, Arizona, this date, just received:
“Information obtained from intercepted letter indicates concentration of Maderistas and probable trouble at Naco, Mexico, tomorrow. I have directed commanding officer of two troops at Naco to use rifle fire if necessary to stop shooting in American town as one of our patrols was this morning tired upon from the Mexican side. I have ordered all patrols in future to return fire and if necessary pursue regardless of international boundary.”
I have instructed Colonel Guilfoyle as follows:
“In case of intentional firing from Mexican side upon persons on the American side your proposed action in using rifle fire when necessary to stop such shooting is approved. If the firing from Mexican side consists of random shots accidentally reaching our side you will use every proper means to induce citizens to temporarily withdraw from zone of fire but you will not in any event send or allow any armed American troops to cross the border without specific instructions to that effect from these headquarters or the War Department. Keep these headquarters fully advised of the situation and report any important action taken by you.”