File No. 812.00/17693
[Untitled]
13. In reply to Department’s 12, March 29, 4 p.m., Secretary of State agrees matter moving supplies to civilian consignees. Will not be publicly announced but conditions as suggested thoroughly agreed upon and instructions Chihuahua authorities for the protection of and speedy delivery supplies will issue. Stipulated this private agreement but binding.
During conference today Secretary of State for General Carranza insisted upon propriety, necessity full reply to questions contained in my March 29 [19], midnight, as to number American troops in Mexico and location, saying that withholding such information implies lack of confidence, also discourtesy, and prevents full cooperation. Still claims Mexican authorities without adequate information as to number and whereabouts our troops in their country. Repudiated suggestion of necessity for military secrecy. Secretary of State said their information today Villa with small number men many miles in advance of American troops and going southwest. Intimated desire to know distance our troops going in. Mexican authorities evidently much irritated by situation.