File No. 812.63/143.

Special Agent Carothers to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]

Reported to me last night by member of mining committee that mine operators of Chihuahua had been called upon by Villa for loan of $300,000 gold, which has been refused. They fear this refusal may cause authorities to put mining decree in force notwithstanding Escudero’s circular, which has not been published as promised. I have telegraphed Escudero requesting him to publish it in today’s issue of the official paper.

Carothers.