812.113Exportation/2

The Mexican Ambassador (Téllez) to the Secretary of State

[Translation]
No. 1868

Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that agents of the rebels now at Ciudad Juarez, taking advantage of the fact that coal, gasoline, and petroleum, are not considered contraband of war, have been importing, through El Paso, Texas, large quantities of such fuels which are being used to supply locomotives and other vehicles used in moving troops.

[Page 378]

Furthermore, I have been informed to the effect that the trucks which transport the said fuels also carry contraband ammunition.

In view of the foregoing permit me to request Your Excellency’s assistance in approaching the appropriate authority in order that, if there be no objection, coal, gasoline, petroleum, and other fuels be considered contraband of war, and that the free exportation thereof be prevented.

Anticipating [etc.]

Manuel C. Téllez