812.00/26802: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Vice Consul at Salina Cruz (Wood)
Your January 20, 5 P.M. and January 21, 7 A.M.12 The Department has sent the American Consul at Vera Cruz the following telegraphic instruction today:
“The American Consul Salina Cruz telegraphed the Department yesterday that the rebel gunboat Progreso proposed to bombard Salina Cruz this morning. The Consul reported today that Salina Cruz was taken by the rebel army this morning but he does not state whether the bombardment was executed as contemplated.
The Consul protested against the proposed bombardment but it does not appear that any measures were taken by those responsible to safeguard foreign life and property against the effects of the bombardment or that opportunity was afforded the Consul for ample warning to American citizens.
You will informally bring the foregoing urgently to the attention of Mr. de la Huerta pointing out that the bombardment of a Mexican port such as was at least threatened in this instance is unqualifiedly condemned by your Government as an operation unwarrantably exposing the lives and interests of American citizens to grave danger.
You will informally bring the foregoing urgently to the attention against the threat or execution of such a bombardment of any Mexican port.”
You will informally make the same protest to the person claiming to exercise authority in your port.
- Neither printed.↩