Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-18
MAY IGNORE REPLY
SENT FROM MEXICO
TO WARNING NOTE
State Department Not Anxious
to Argue With the Mad
ero Government.
RESENTS UNITED STATES
ENDEAVOR TO ADMONISH
Answer Also Disclaims All Blame
for Acts of Rebels.
WILSON REFUSES TO COMMENT
No Further Reason Advanced for In
tervention, However-Matter
to Be Subject of Cabi-
net Meeting.
Answer Also Disclaims All Blame
for Acts of Rebels.
WILSON REFUSES TO COMMENT

Acting Secretary of State Wilson de-
clined to comment officially on the tele-
gram from the Mexican government, re-
plying to his admonition in regard to the
treatment of Americans in Mexico.
1t is pointed out here unofficially, how
ever. that ii is probable that the Ameri-
can government will not enter into an
academic discussion with Mexico at this
time as to the propriety of sending Mr..
Wilson's note to Orozco as well as to the
American consuls throughout the Mexi-
can republic. SO that it could get directly
to the people.
The note was received at the State De-
rartment over night, and probably will be
submitted to the cabinet by Secretary
Knox and considered materially before
any answer is returned. 1t cannot be
said that Minister Calero's statement
caused surprise, nor has it modified the
diplomatic situation.
Disclaims All Responsibility.
The note is regarded rather as an at
tempt to relieve the Mexican government
from financial liability for damages in
flicted upon foreigners by the rebels. than
as an evidence of resentment against the
actions of the State Department here in
reminding the Mexican factions of their
obligations under International law to-
ward foreigners resident in Mexico or
even those serving as volunteers on one
side or the other.
In the opinion of administration off,
cials, the Mexican note has not advanced
any fresh reasons for Intervention at this
date, unless the disclaimer for RESPONSE
bility fe the actions of the rebels may
be regarded as warranting foreign gov
ernments in considering whether they
might not be privileged to take forctble
measures to protect their subjects and
citizens where they may be endangered
in territory completely within control of
the rebel forces.
The reports Of the interview between
American Consul Letcher and Orozco at
lieve any apprehension of intervention on
that score, in view Of the rebel leader s
declared purpose to be bound by the prin-
ciples of International law in any fur
ther operations.
Rebel Acts Up to Orozco.
The reply from Mexico City is one de-
clining to assume the responsibility for
Orozco's acts. and denying the right Of
this government to deliver the admoni-
ton contained in Acting Secretary OF
State Wilson's note of warning.
Exception is taken to the communities
ton directed to Orozco through Consul
Letcher, and the making public of this
&C mmuncation in the same note to which
the government was required to make
answer is deplored.
The reply also denies responsibility by
the constituted government for acts COM
Iiitted in territory in rebellion, while ac-
cepting full responsibility for every loss
or damage sustained for foreigners le-
gally chargeable to the government.
A caution has been issued to leaders OF
the Mexican federal forces to insure
proper treatment of foreigners who may
be taken as prisoners of war. At the
same time II Is asserted that no basis
exists for supposing that any other
course would be pursued. Orozco Is held
TO be answerable for his offenses only to
the Mexican courts, and therefore should
not have been made the recipient Of a
diplomatic communication.
1t denies the right of the Washington
government to admonish Mexico for the
reason that it is not based on any
dustifiable incident.