File No. No. 763.72112/3515

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Guadalajara ( Silliman)

[Telegram]

Your April 21, 4 p.m. For your information, Department cannot assist Germans in Mexico in trading with the United States if such trade is inimical to the interests of the United States in Mexico, or if it is carried on directly or indirectly for the benefit of Germany. The Administration and Congress have under consideration measures which will cover this situation, and which may be retroactive in their effect. Until they are enacted into law it is advisable for alien enemies in Mexico to proceed with the greatest caution in their trade with the United States.

As bearing on general question of commercial intercourse between nationals of hostile nations see Moore’s International Law Digest, volume 7, page 237, et seq.

Lansing