Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-15
Foreign Pressure as to Mexico.

The difficulties or the tinted States
with reference to Mexico may be some
what embarrassed, but at the same time
NAV be finally cleared by the reported
action of the representatives. at Mexico
city of the European powers. who, &C
cording TO the dispatches. have sent
Identical notes to their governments de-
ciariag that the position taken by this
country with reference TO Mexico is
contributing to revolutionary conditions
and suggesting that the representatives
here of the powers be instructed to re-
quest American recognition of Mexico or
the assumption by the United States or
responsibility for affairs in that country
This is an unusual state Of affairs.
In some circumstances the United
States might take umbrage at the &C
ton of the European representatives at
Mexico City. but il is in no position at
present TO complain if they have. by
means of Identical notes, brought to the
attention of their governments the fact
that the failure TO recognize Huerta Is
contributing to a condition which affects
their own interests. These representa-
tives are under obligation to set forth
to their principals the precise Mexican
status. 1t is no affair of the United
States if they choose to act in concert
or write their notes in identical terms.
The position Of this country toward
Mexico has been unfortunate since the
overthrow Of Madero and the establish
ment OF the Huerta regime. Shocking
were the circumstances of Huerta's
seizure of power and disposal of his
predecessor. the United States retained
direct and material interest in the situa-
ton. and it is to be regretted that it
practically cut itself off from position
of inf at he ifal nv
refusing to recognize the newly estab-
lished government on the score of the
irregularity of its foundation. This was
high moral ground, but it did not
make for the protection of American
citizens, which was and is today the
main business OF this government with
reference to the Mexican situation. 1t
was perhaps magnificent, but it was not
diplomacy
If the European powers take the cue
which 1t is reported has been given
oy their representatives in Mexico and
through their ambassadors request the
United States to fish, cut bait or
get ashore" in Mexico, this government
viz be compelled to acknowledge their
right to put the case up to US deny
il. a denial might involve an embar-
RAISING situation with reference to the
move by the European governments
would open up field of diplomatic COR
respondence tina: would give the present
adninistra ton its best opportunity to
prove its ability to handle a real in
ternational difficulty. 1t would be a
rather humiiiating spectacle for the
! nited states to be compelled by Eu-
ropean representatives to adopt an at
utude that its own interests should
nave dictated months ago, and on the
other hand il will be possibly disastrous
10 the integrity of the Monroe doctrine
tor the United States to deny the right
Of suggestion to the European powers
without changing its attitude toward
Mexico at tine same time. While if il
should grant the right of suggestion
and acknowledge the hardness Of It's
own move and avoWe eddy under the spur
III European prompting proceed to do
that which will restore order in Mexico.
IL will have invited reproach for its lack
Ut initiative.
Possibly the European governments
may not heed the identical notes of their
representatives in Mexico which the dis
patch from Mexico City reports But the
United States should not take the
chance of this course Its safest policy
today Is TO move without DELAY antici-
rating any possible representations that
may come from abroad regarding its
duty IN matter that if longer neglect
cd may become a legitimate field of
european activity. with the Monroe doc
trine thrown seriously into issue.