812.6363/470: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Mexico ( Summerlin )

2052. Your 3025 June 16, 6 p.m.

On grounds that permits could have been obtained only by compliance with recent legislation, covered by Decree of February 19, 1918, and subsequent Decrees on the same subject, and that such compliance would have constituted an admission of the correctness of the contention of the Mexican Government in the matter of ownership of oil deposits, against which the Government of the United States has made solemn protest, as threatening confiscation of rights legally acquired by American citizens, you will please promptly present protest on behalf of interested American citizens against orders of President Carranza to stop drilling operations in all cases where permits have not been obtained. At the same time, you will reserve all rights of reclamation in favor of American citizens adversely affected by Decree.

Polk