File No. 812.00/2727.
The Secretary of State to the President.
Washington, February 3, 1912.
My Dear Mr. President: For some time past the political situation in Mexico seems to have been getting more disturbing, especially in the southern portion of the Republic, and, as you know, the outbreak in Ciudad Juárez—on the north—a day or two ago has made the situation still more acute. Ambassador Wilson reports from Mexico City by telegraph as follows. [See supra, telegram of February 3.]
In view of the fact that the present Government of Mexico seems unable to control the country districts to any great degree, and that brigandage seems to be spreading, I feel that if the present movement grows, which seems at present most likely, our citizens in Mexico will suffer infinitely more in their persons and property than was the case during the recent Madero revolution, when neither side was at all willing to incur the displeasure of this Government. I think, therefore, that as a measure of precaution the War Department should be asked to strengthen the guard along the border, which has been withdrawn from time to time until but a comparatively small force now remains.
In the sending of the troops to the border I feel that it would be wise to do so quietly, so that no unnecessary animosity may be aroused.
I have [etc.]