File No. 812.00/6373.
The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Mexico, February 25, 1913—noon.
38. This morning the Associated Press announced that the British Government will refrain from recognizing the present legally constituted Provisional Government and will recognize it only after the election for permanent President. This statement, taken in connection with the attitude of the Legation in other matters, has made a disagreeable impression on the Mexican Government and has aroused profound indignation in the British colony. In view of the depressing effect which any similar utterance from our Government might cause, I respectfully recommend either that our Government maintain silence on the subject of recognition or else give out the following, which will serve to aid me in the matter treated of in my 35, February 24, 7 p.m.:
This Government can not at this moment fix any definite time when it will make formal recognition of the apparently legally constituted Provisional Government of Mexico nor can it limit or circumscribe its action nor announce its definite conclusions until it has had opportunity carefully to observe the evidences of vigor, activity and firmness in maintaining order. This Government will form its conclusions wholly from the reports of its consular officers in Mexico and of the Embassy in Mexico City.