File No. 312.11/8282
Vice Consul Blocker to the Secretary of State
Doctor Bernhard arrived Eagle Pass this morning. In personal interview, after which I secured sworn statement, the following information was obtained:
He confirms killing of Howard Gray whom he personally buried. Remaining Americans, namely Edward Palmer, Jake Meyer and Dr. Flannigan, are alive hidden by Mexican friends. He also confirms story told by Naudine regarding murder 3 Americans at Majistral mines by Carranza garrison who turned over to Villa, and states 3 other Americans of same party still survive hidden in mine shafts at Majistral. This information he obtained from natives arriving in Parral from there who claim Villistas are still at those mines and if Americans should be found they would be killed immediately. Regarding murder Chinese and Arabs he states he personally buried 5 bodies in Parral and knows many bodies were thrown in mine shafts of Alvorado Company, probably number near sixty. At Jimenez he buried 14 Chinese and Arabs besides the American tramp burned alive there. All the bodies were badly decomposed. He believes Americans at Parral are now safe with arrival there of 50 Government soldiers December 5, the Villistas having left there five days previous, heading towards mountains, carrying away much loot and 40.000 dollars in silver bullion.