File No. 812.00/6264.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, February 19, 1913—5 p.m.
14. It is quite evident that the public believes that the storm is over. The city has been quiet all day, though many looters were abroad last night. There are very few people about the Embassy. The storm may or may not be over, according as Díaz and Huerta continue to work in accord. To that end I am now devoting myself.
The originals of the two agreements made between Huerta and Díaz last night are on record in this Embassy.1 These documents provide for the convening of Congress, name the new Cabinet, stipulate the election by Congress of General Huerta as Provisional President, and contain various other provisions for the maintenance of order throughout the Republic. There are three agreements which I stipulated but which are not reduced to writing, viz: (1) The release of the Madero Ministers; (2) The liberty of the press and an uncensored telegraph service; (3) Joint action between the two generals for the maintenance of order in this city. Congress is now in session; I imagine its ratification of the agreement made in the Embassy last night will be little more than a matter of form.
The President and Vice President are still in the guardhouse of the palace, as are Generals Delgado, Angeles, and the Minister of War. The report was current early this morning that Gustavo Madero [Page 723] had been billed by the simple process of the ley de fuga. This I have not verified.
I have been assuming considerable responsibility in proceeding without instructions in many important matters, but no harm has been done, and I believe great benefits have been achieved for our country, and especially for our countrymen in Mexico. Our position here is stronger than it has ever been, and I would suggest that I have general instructions immediately to bring to the attention of whatever government may be created here the complaints set forth in our note of September 15 and urge for at least an arrangement to settle them all.
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These agreements (the “Pacto de la Ciudadela” and the Proclamation) are in translation (see File No. 812.00/11661) as follows:
PACTO DE LA CIUDADELA.
In the City of Mexico, at 9.30 p.m. of February 18, 1913, Generals Felix Díaz and Victoriano Huerta met together, the former being assisted by Attorneys Fidencio Hernandez and Rodolfo Reyes and the latter by Lieutenant Colonel Joaquin Maas and Engineer Enrique Zepedu.
General Huerta stated that, inasmuch as the situation of Mr. Madero’s Government was unsustainable and in order to prevent further bloodshed and out of feelings of national fraternity, he had made prisoners of Mr. Madero, his Cabinet, and other persons; and that he desires to express his good wishes to General Díaz to the effect that the elements represented by him might fraternize and, all united, save the present distressful situation.
General Díaz stated that his movements have had no other object than to serve the national welfare, and that accordingly he is ready to make any sacrifice which might redound to the benefit of the country.
After discussions had taken place on the subject among all those present as mentioned above, the following was agreed on:
First. From this time on the Executive Power which has held sway is deemed not to exist and is not recognized, the elements represented by Generals Díaz and Huerta pledging themselves to prevent by all means any attempt to restore said Power.
Second. Endeavor will be made as soon as possible to adjust the existing situation under the best possible legal conditions, and Generals Díaz and Huerta will make every effort to the end that the latter may within seventy-two hours assume the Provisional Presidency of the Republic with the following Cabinet:
- Foreign Relations, Lie. Francisco L. de la Barra;
- Treasury, Toribio Esquivel Obregón;
- War, General Manuel Mondragón;
- Fomento, Eng. Alberto García Granados;
- Justice, Lie. Rodolfo Reyes;
- Public Instruction, Lie. J. Vera Estañol:
- Communications, Eng. David de la Fuente.
There shall be created a new Ministry, to be charged specially with solving the agrarian problem and matters connected therewith, being called the Ministry of Agriculture, and the portfolio thereof being entrusted to Lie. Manuel Garza Aldape.
Any modifications which may for any reason be decided upon in this Cabinet slate shall take place in the same manner in which the slate itself was made up.
Third. While the legal situation is being determined and settled, Generals Huerta and Díaz are placed in charge of all elements and authorities of every kind the exercise whereof may be necessary in order to afford guaranties.
Fourth. General Felix Díaz declines the offer to form part of the Provisional Cabinet, in case General Huerta assumes the Provisional Presidency, in order that he may remain at liberty to undertake his work along the lines of his promises to his party at the coming elections, which purpose he wishes to express clearly and which is fully understood by the signers.
Fifth. Official notice shall immediately be given to the foreign representatives, it being confined to stating to them that the Executive Power has ceased; that provision is being made for a legal substitute therefor; that meantime the full authority thereof is vested in Generals Díaz and Huerta; and that all proper guaranties will be afforded to their respective countrymen.
Sixth. All revolutionists shall at once be invited to cease their hostile movements, endeavor being made to reach the necessary settlements.
General Victoriano Huerta.
General Felix Díaz
Joaquín Maas.
Rodolfo Reyes.
Fidencio Hernández.
Dr. F. L. Collantes.
E. Zepeda.
PROCLAMATION BY GENERALS HUERTA AND DÍAZ.
To the Mexican People:
The unsustainable and distressful situation through which the capital of the Republic has passed has compelled the Army, represented by the undersigned, to unite in a sentiment of fraternity in order to effect the salvation of our country. And consequently the Nation may rest quiet, for all liberties consistent with order are insured under the responsibility of the undersigned commanders, who will henceforth assume command and administration as far as may be necessary in order to afford full guaranties to natives and foreigners, they promising that the lawful order of things (“the legal situation”) will be duly organized within 72 hours.
The Army invites the people, on whom it counts, to continue in the noble attitude of respect and moderation which it has observed up to the present, and it likewise invites all revolutionary bands to unite in order to confirm the national peace.
Felix Díaz.
V. Huerta.
Mexico, February 18, 1913.
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