File No. 312.112R56/9.

The American Ambassador to the Secretary of State.

No. 1247.]

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for the information of the Department a copy of a letter from this Embassy to the American Consul General in this city, relative to the protection desired by Mr. G. P. Robinson of the Suriana Mining and Smelting Company, as indicative of the attitude of the Embassy towards requests for protection by American citizens in districts which the Mexican Government has declared as subject to martial law.

I have [etc.]

Henry Lane Wilson.
[Inclosure.]

The American Ambassador to the American Consul General at Mexico City.

Sir: I have to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo transmitting a copy of a letter addressed to you by Mr. G. P. Robinson, Superintendent of the Suriana Mining and Smelting Company, situated at Acotla, State of Guerrero.

This Embassy, upon the request of Mr. Westlund, of the Suriana Mining and Smelting Company, some time ago secured the dispatch of a number of soldiers to the neighborhood of its properties for the purpose of furnishing protection to it in the event of the retirement of the forces of Jesus Salgado in that direction before the advancing Federal forces. The Suriana Mining and Smelting Company, therefore, not only had anticipatory knowledge of the possibility that their property would be placed in a position where the Federal Government would not be able to render adequate aid but it had evidence of the Government’s good intentions in the force which was furnished and which has recently been attacked and dispersed by the Salgado forces. Under the existing circumstances Mr. Robinson and the Suriana Mining and Smelting Company are entitled to the same measure of protection which the Mexican Government can afford to its own citizens in a district which has been declared subject to martial law. Clearly it was the duty of Mr. Robinson some time ago to have sent his family to a place of perfect security, and it is his duty now so to do if possible. Americans in Mexico are entitled under the rules of international law to the same rights and treatment as are accorded by the Government to Mexican citizens, and as the Mexican Government has declared a state of siege in this district it has virtually confessed that it can not afford adequate protection to Mexican citizens. This Embassy greatly regrets Mr. Robinson’s unfortunate situation and will make proper representations to the Mexican Government in his behalf, but it is manifest that the aid which the Government can render will be inadequate pending the reassertion of its authority and the installation of responsible representatives of the law.

I am [etc.]

Henry Lane Wilson.