812.00/23785: Telegram
The Consul at Tampico (Dawson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 1—11:20 a.m.]
It is believed that the Mexican Government will soon face a big crisis here. There are indications of further defections of troops and officers much more than generally known. Murguia called suddenly to Mexico City, leaving today, last accounts expressing doubt as to local situation. Such developments as occur will be [Page 147] sudden and with little warning and may call for forceful protection of life and property of Americans here as owing to their large number and distribution over wide territory their removal from the country is impracticable and property interests are too large to be abandoned. Under these circumstance[s] I beg to call attention to the very inadequate United States Navy force now in Tampico. Embassy informed.