812.00Sonora/802: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Guaymas (Bursley)
Your April 22, 1 p.m. and April 23, 4 p.m.54 Department deems it unwise for American destroyer to undertake to take charge of fuel oil at Guaymas. The Department appreciates the effective cooperation heretofore obtaining between the commander of the destroyer and yourself in measures taken for the protection of American property and the safety of American lives, and hopes that such cooperation may continue.
The Department desires, however, that interposition by you and the commanding officer of the destroyer for the protection of American property shall be confined to action taken in accordance with the Department’s March 29, 6 p.m.55 and not by taking charge of such property as suggested in your April 22, 1 p.m. Direct interposition, such as is understood to be contemplated by your inquiry, should be reserved for the protection of American life if and when necessary, and except in cases of extreme urgency the Department should be consulted before action is taken.