File No. 312.52/61.
The Spanish Ambassador to the Counselor of the Department of State.
Washington, December 14, 1913.
My dear Mr. Counselor: I have just heard of the arrival of the Spanish refugees from Chihuahua at El Paso, Texas, and I wish to express the deep appreciation of my Government and of myself of the magnificent reception which has been extended to them by the Chamber of Commerce of El Paso, and of the feelings which have prompted the charitable citizens of that town to give every help and assistance to my compatriots in their distress.
[Page 907]I also understand that the American Red Cross, at the suggestion of Mr. Bryan, has offered its assistance, and I beg you to convey to the authorities of that institution my grateful appreciation of their humanitarian attitude.
Let me add that the properties of the Spaniards expelled by Villa from Chihuahua are still at the mercy of this individual, and that any further efforts on the part of the Government of the United States towards protecting them from further pillage and destruction, will be deeply appreciated by my Government.
Thanking you [etc.]