File No. 812.504/114
Consul Dawson to the Secretary of State
Tampico, July 16, 1917, 5 p.m.
Strike of river boatmen began following joint refusal employers to meet ridiculous wages and other demands. Companies’ refusal entirely [omission] as many boatmen coerced into strike which is organized and led by I. W. W. Spanish and Portuguese leaders who defy Government, boast active support in the United States. They have already coerced the crew and paralyzed operation three American dredging vessels against which I have protested. Authorities have promised protection but their attitude is very ambiguous and lacks public confidence. Untoward developments may be expected unless the policy of this Government is decisive.