File No. 812.00/18666
The Acting Secretary of State to Special Representative Rodgers
Washington, July 15, 1916.
Sir: After the mailing of the Department’s instruction to you, dated the 13th instant, on the subject of the attack by Mexican officers and soldiers, at Mazatlan, on the 18th ultimo, on two officers and three seamen in a boat sent out from the U. S. S. Annapolis, a confirmation copy of the telegram quoted in that instruction reached the Department, which differs somewhat from the one quoted. The correct reading is as follows:—
Last Saturday Governor issued a proclamation war will be declared against United States. People excited. Last Sunday commander Annapolis sent boat three seamen two officers send word Vice Consul and Americans come aboard. Reaching wharf officers invited land by Mexican authorities, immediately arrested. Boat pushed off, fired on by Mexican soldiers, seaman [Page 603] wounded who died. Seamen returned fire wounding three. Authorities detained officers until after strenuous protest, were released, lives in peril for time. Authorities powerless in crisis. They advise Americans leave. Dangerous live Mazatlan. Request permission close Consulate. Code received last night.
I am [etc.]