Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-22
DENIAL FROM ARMY
Col. SibIey Says There Was No
Neutrality Violation.
SUBMITS OFFICIAL REPORT
Complaints Made by Mexico Not JUS
titled by Facts as Furnished
War Department.

The official report ordered from Col.
Sibley, commanding the Department of
Colorado, in regard to allegation of the
Mexican government that the neutral
ity of the United States had been vio-
lated in the battles of Aqua Prieta
was received by the War Department
today. The report was Immediately
laid before the President and Secretary
Of State Knox to form in large meas
ure the basis of this governments re-
ply to Mexico's representations.
American army officers soldiers and cit
izens who witnessed the engagement, Col
Sibley declares. maintain that mo shots
were fired at any time from the Amer
lean side Of the line into Mexico Re-
plying to the charge from the Mexican
government that Lieut.. Troncoso of the
Mexican federal army had been wound
ed by shot fired from the American
custom house. Col. Sibley says the
officer was shot by insurgents on Mex
lean territory.
Has Changed His Mind.
While endeavoring to escape with other
federal soldiers to the American side.
Lieut. Troncoso sought shelter in a de-
preston near a small Mexican guard
house about twenty-five yards from the
international line and about 800 yards
east Of the American custom house. While
this officer at first thought he had been
attacked from the American side, Col
Sibley says. ''he is now convinced the
shot came from insurrectos at Aqua
Prieta-"
Capt. Gaujot of the 1st Cavalry, Col
Sibley explains. crossed the international
line at the request of Capt. Jesus Vargas
Of the Mexican federal army, who had
previously surrendered to him on Amer
lean territory. In company with Charles
Mexican. citizen of Douglas, Capt. Gau-
jot carried directions to surrender from
the Mexican captain to the soldiers Of his
command, who were surrounded by the
rebels in Aqua Prieta.
Neutrals in Danger.
The American officer had been informed
| that there were neutral American citizens
! in danger in Aqua Prieta. He was also
anxious to stop the injury to American
citizens on this side Of the line by the
projectiles which were flying across from
| the contestants.
Col. Sibley then relates the inci
dents of surrender, his report being
confrmatory of dispatches.
| Col. Sibley's report intimates that the
| report of the Mexican consul to his
government contained inaccuracies, due
| to it's being made prematurely.
| This report has been laid before the
! State Department and the President,
and was also submitted to the members
| Of the House committee on foreign
| relations. which called on Secretary
Knox this morning.
Strengthening Entertainments.
A private telegram received at the
War Department from Douglas. Ariz.,
states that insurrecto troops are still
in the vicinity of Nacozari, to the south
| Of Aqua Prieta, and that the Mexican
| federal troops are still in Aqua Prieta
! strengthening their entrenchments.
| According to telegram from Col.
| Steever, in command at Ell Paso, the
United States authorities there captured
| on the night of April 1920 27,54j rounds
! of ammunition. An attempt was being
made to smuggle the cartridges into
Mexico.
| BY order OF Secretary of War Dickin-
| son, authority has been wired to the
commanding officer at Douglas, AriZ., to
| permit twenty-five wounded Mexican SOL
diers, accompanied by attendants, all un-
armed and without uniform, to proceed
| in special car from Aqua Prieta, by
way of Douglas, to hospital at Cananea.
No munitions of war. according to the
| order which was given out at the White
| House, will be allowed on the car.