812.00/24343: Telegram
The Consul at Nuevo Laredo (Robertson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 15—3:02 a.m.]
Following letter received tonight.
“Citizen Consul of the United States of America, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. I have written to the commander of the garrison of your city offering guarantees to him and his men if he surrenders the place without resistance and I have the honor so to inform Your Excellency so that you may know of it and cross to the United States with the other American citizens and foreign residents thus avoiding any mishap that might befall you in case there should be a fight. Effective suffrage. No second term. Headquarters at Altos, Nuevo León, July 14, 1920. General Ricardo Gonzalez.”
Following is my reply.
“The consul of the United States of America at Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has received a communication date[d] at Altos, Nuevo Laredo [Nuevo León], July 14th 1920, in which General Ricardo Gonzalez advises that he has demanded the surrender of the city of Nuevo Laredo, guaranteeing the lives of the commanding officer and his forces, and suggesting that the consul of the United States of America [and] other Americans and foreigners residing in Nuevo Laredo retire to the American side, in order to avoid any injury or danger should an attack be made upon Nuevo Laredo. The consul of the United States of America at Nuevo Laredo desires to advise General Ricardo Gonzalez of his intention of remaining at his post of duty. He further desires to advise General Ricardo Gonzalez and his forces not to fire any shots into American territory, for if this is done, or if any American citizens are killed or wounded as the result of a battle at Nuevo Laredo the consul assures General Ricardo Gonzalez that the American Government may take such action as is deemed proper by the appropriate authorities for the protection of American life and property. Consulate of the United States of America, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, July 14, 1920.”
A note along similar lines delivered commanding officer Nuevo Laredo garrison.