File No. 832. 032/10.
[Inclosure—Extract—Translation.]
[Untitled]
During the civil wars which for some time past have interfered with
the normal development and prosperity of Mexico, serious friction
(to the general regret of all American countries) unfortunately
arose also between the United States and that country, the situation
being rendered even more acute about the beginning of last year by
the incident of Tampico, which almost culminated in armed warfare
between the two nations.
On this difficult and anxious occasion, when the international peace
of America and our continental fraternity were in great danger, the
Brazilian, the Argentine and the Chilean Governments tendered their
good offices in the matter and had the satisfaction of seeing the
same accepted by the other two Governments concerned, the first
hostilities being immediately suspended.
I take great pleasure in advising Congress that this mediation
produced the most complete and satisfactory results. It is, however,
but just to acknowledge that the happy outcome of our joint efforts
was mainly due to the well interpreted patriotism and high judgment
shown by the two divergent Governments on that occasion.
At the Niagara Falls Conference the deplorable incident was brought
to a conclusion and, to the satisfaction of all concerned, the
protocol (preliminary treaty) of June 24, 1914, was signed by the
Delegates of the three mediating Governments, and by those of the
two Republics involved, with the approval of the other American
nations and, most assuredly, of all the Powers as well.
This protocol decided only on the international features of the
conflict, leaving the Mexicans the exclusive right to discuss and
agree upon all matters of domestic nature, such as the organization
of a provisional government and its political program, amnesties,
calling of elections, liberal and progressive reforms, and any other
measures indispensable to the free exercise of national
sovereignty.
The Brazilian Government, in that emergency, merely pursued once more
its traditional policy of peace and confirmed its inalterable
sentiments of Continental Fraternity. Brazil, therefore (as was, no
doubt, the case with Argentina and Chile as well), experienced great
satisfaction in the applause and cooperation of the American
Republics, in its endeavor to strengthen the ties of friendship and
harmony which should unite them always for the welfare and the
enhanced moral grandeur of our Continent.
