New-York tribune., 1912-03-03
President Taft Orders Them to
Observe Strict Neutrality,
and Advises Them to
Come Home.
INSTRUCTIONS TO WILSON
Administration Seeks to Avoid
Necessity for Intervention,
and Hopes for Speedy
Restoration of
Peace.

Taft TO issue a proclamation to-day
virtually warning American citizens 10
refrain from entering that country and
thoso now there to leave Mexico when
conditions threaten to become intoler-
able. The decision to issue such a warn
ing was reached at a special meeting Of
the Cabinet
The proclamation was augmented by
telegram addressed by the State De-
partment to Ambassador Wilson in the
City Of Mexico. The ambassador was
instructed to request Americans in peril
there to withdraw across the border,
leaving their effects in the care of the
nearest United States consul Copies Of
the telegram were sent to all consular
agents.
The Presidents proclamation, Il was
explained, was in no sense a recognition
Of the revolutionary movement in Mex
leo and was not declaration Of neu-
tralty. II was solely a warning to
Americans 10 avoid anything that might
SAVIOR Of partisanship in the existing
state of affairs.
Would Avoid Intervention.
The proclamation is interpreted further
as an expression Of this country's inten-
ton to avoid by every possible means
any chance Of Intervention. The pre-
amble follows
Whereas, Serious disturbances and forci-
| bic resistance TO the authorities OF the es-
! taolshed government exist in certain por-
! tions of Mexico: and,
Whereas, Under these conditions IL is the
duty Of all persons within the Jurisdiction
OF the United States 10 refrain from the
/ commission or acts prohibited by the law
thereto relating and subversive of the tran
guilty OF country with which the United
States is at peace; and.
Whereas, The laws of the United States
prohibit under such circumstances all per-
sons within and subject to their jurisdiction
from taking any part contrary 10 said laws
In any such disturbances adversely to such
established government and,
! whereas, BY express enactment II two
| OR more persons conspire to commit an Of
! fence against the United States any act
/ of one conspirator TO effect the object OF
such conspiracy renders all the conspiTators
liable 10 fine and Imprisonment. and
whereas. There is reason 10 believe that
! citizens of the United States and others
| within their jurisdiction fail 10 apprehend
the meaning and operation Of the applicable
laws of the United States as authortatively
interpreted and may be msled into partici-
patton in transactions which are violations
OF said laws and which will render them
liable to the severe penalties provided for
such violations.
Now. therefore, In recognition of the laws
governing and controlling in such matters
as we'll as in discharge of the obligations
OF the United States toward a friendly
country. and as n measure of precaution.
and TO the end that citizens OF the United
States and all others within their jurisdic-
ton NAV be deferred from subjecting them
selves TO legal forfeitures and penalties
Here follows President Taft's warning.
Should Leave Dangerous Localities.
The instructions to Ambassador Will
son. which were duplicated to the United
States consuls, follows:
Referring to all recent telegraphic corre-
spondence you are now instructed In your
discretion to inform Americans that the
embassy deems IL It's duty 10 advise them
TO withdraw from any particular localities
ness so threaten personal safety as to
make withdrawal the part of common pru-
dence, specifying localities, II any from
which withdrawal may at any time seem
advisable and stating that in any such
cases consuls may take such charge OF
abandoned effects as may be possible under
sending a copy OF this telegram 10 all con-
sular officers in Mexico merely for their
information and for the Information OF
Americans in their districts.
state Department officials insisted that
the proclamation and the kilograms were
not the result Of startling or sensational
developments to-day In the Mexican
situation. II was said that they were the
result of many conferences in the last
few days and Of long exchanges by wire
between the department and Mr.. Wilson
in the City of Mexico.
European Nations Informed.
Because of the interest felt by Euro
mean nations, many of whose subjects
are resident in Mexico, the State Depart,
ment had fully advised with their diplo-
matte representatives in Washington.
The British. German, Spanish and
French embassies and legations here
were informed of the proclamation and
of the instructions TO Ambassador Will
son.
II was also said that to-day's action
was not TO be regarded as indicating that
the administration had abandoned hope
of the speedy restoration of peaceful
conditions. Such hope, IL was said, was
entertained, and the proclamation and
the instructions to Ambassador Wilson
were expected to aid in bringing about
peace in addition to safeguarding the in
terests of mericans in Mexico and al
LAYING anti-American sentiment in that
country
1T is merely an admonition and a
warning to all persons within the Juris-
diction of the United States and to
American citizens generally" said Hunt
ington Wilson. Acting Secretary Of State.
tonight, ito obey carefully and strictly
the laws of the, United States and TO
hold themselves wholly aloof from All
participation of whatever kind in the
present disturbances in Mexico"
No such proclamation was issued In
the Madero revolution, but II was re-
garded as necessary to issue IL now be-
cause there is no one strong central fig-
ure as a directing head OF the revolution
whom the United States could hold re-
sponsible for the treatment of its citi-
zens. Instead, there are number OF
self-created revolutionary leaders. who
appear to have little regard for the
amenities Of international law.
The task Of warning Americans to
leave the country will be left to Ambas-
sador Wilson, and American citizens are
urged to heed his advice. The State De-
Continued fourth page.