File No. 812.00/2903.
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.
Washington, February 26, 1912—6 p.m.
Upon inquiry by the Mexican Ambassador regarding accuracy of recent press reports published here stating that American troops are leaving for El Paso with orders to cross into Mexican territory if shots are fired into the American side from Ciudad Juárez or any other place, Department has replied that such reports are without foundation, no such orders having been issued, but that troops are being massed at El Paso as a deterrent to any such action by Mexican forces. You will inform the Foreign Office that the Department has emphasized the absolute necessity of Mexico’s taking such action as will prevent a repetition of the untoward accidents happening at El Paso last year.