File No. 812.00/17458
Special Agent Belt to the Secretary of State
La Opinión, the only Mexican paper published in Queretaro, issued at 11 tonight an extra containing the following:
[Translation]
The First Chief of the Revolution issues an appeal to the people to be prepared for any emergency that may arise. I have not yet received any reply from the American Government and, from the reports sent in to the First Chief by the military commanders along the boundary line, I know that forces of the United States are being mobilized to cross into Mexican territory for the purpose, according to President Wilson’s declarations published in the American press, to pursue and try to capture Villa and then deliver him up to the Mexican authorities, protesting that the expedition is nothing but punitive in its character and that the sovereignty of Mexico will be respected.
The Constitutionalist Government has suitably instructed the Confidential Agent of Mexico at Washington immediately to make the pertinent representation, for it will not admit, under any circumstances and whatever may be the reasons advanced and the explanation offered by the Government of the United States about the act it proposes to carry out, that the territory of Mexico be invaded for an instant and the dignity of the Republic outraged.
I am sure I am voicing the national sentiment and that the Mexican people will worthily perform their duty, no matter what sacrifices they may have to undergo in the defense of their rights and sovereignty.
If we should unfortunately be plunged into a war which the Government of the United States can never justify, the responsibility for its disastrous consequences will not lie with us but with those who serve as tools for the purposes of treacherous Mexicans who have labored within and without the country to bring about this result but upon whom the inexorable justice of the people will fall.
As this news might arouse the minds of our fellow-countrymen, I specially recommend that you exercise the utmost prudence and endeavor to maintain order while extending every guaranty to the North American citizens residing in your State.
With affectionate greetings:
V. Carranza