Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-04-20
PRESIDENTS uLTlMATUM
Continued from Page one)


terday had been communicated to the
foreign minister and was being car
ried by him to Gen. Huerta. The for
eIgn minister asked O'Shaughnessy
whether in case Gen. Huerta acceded
to the demand, a protocol would De
signed providing for a return OF the
salute. The following dispatch was
sent to Charge O'Shaughnessy Sub
stance):
President Wilson is out of the city,
Impossible to reach him before A.
M. Am certain that he would not con-
sent to have you sign the protocoi
mentioned in your telegram. The sa-
lutte should be fired without any agree
ment as to the return of the salute.
The United States of America can be
relied upon, according to international
custom and courtesy to do its duty.
The signing of the protocol would De
Objectionable, in addition to other rea-
sons, because Of the fact that 1t might
be construed as recognition of the
Huerta government, whereas the Pres
ident has no intention of recognizing
that government
Early this morning a dispatch was
received from Charge O'Shaughnessy
saying that Gen. Huerta was willing
to accede to the demand of Admiral
Mayo providing a protocol was signed,
and setting forth a copy OF the pro-
posed protocol.
"Charge O'Shaughnessy asked whether
he was authorized to sign it. I commu-
nieated with President Wilson by tele-
phone and by his direction sent tele-
gram to O'Shaughnessy of which the
following is paraphrase:
"'Copy of your telegram of z. NJ.
last night was sent to the President with
copy of my reply to the effect that
protocol would be Objectionable. The
President replied:
".Your reply to 'Shaughnessy Is ex-
actly what should have wished 1t to fe
In no case should any concession OF any
kind in detail or otherwise be made
talked with the President over the tele-
phone when your telegram of II o'clock
last night was received to the effect that
Cen Huerta had acceeded to the de-
mand, but only on condition that you sign
a protocol He repeated most emphau-
cally his objection to any protocol or
agreement He insists that the salute
shall not be fired as matter of contract
or with any stipulation that 1t be return
ed by us. 1t must be fired in accordance
with international custom as an apology
for the insult offered. General Huerta
must trust that the United States Will
live up to the requirements of interna-
tional courtesy in returning his salute
when it shall have been fired. The pro-
posed protocol is especially objectionable
for it is so phrased that Gen. Huerta
might eonstrue it as recognizing his gov
eminent, whereas the President has in
formed Gen. Huerta and the foreign gov
ernments that Gen. Huerta's government
will not be recognized
Acceptance Unconditional
General Huerta's acceptance of the
demand of Admiral Mayo must be I'M
conditional. The details can be arrang-
ed directly with Admiral Mayo after
Gen. Huerta announces he will COM
ply with that demand. Make it clear
to General Huerta that further nego-
tiations are unnecessary. 1t is expect
ed that he accept at once in order
that the incident shall be closed
At o'clock a telegram was received
from Charge 'Shaughnessy, but 1t
WAS HOl CONCLUSIVE siiaA iN'
would cal, at the foreign office at 6
o'clock for a final answer
AT 10 O'Clock a telegram. of which
the following is the substance, was
received from Charge O'Shaughnessy
conveying Gen. Huerta's final refusal
This was communicated to the Presi-
dent Immediately by telephone and he
directed that a cabinet meeting be
called for 1880 o'clock tomorrow morn
ing:
"At $50 p NJ, / called at the for
eign office and was handed a note YER
bal by the minister for foreign affairs
The note states in substance that the
government of Mexico is not disposed
to accede to the unconditional demand
of the government of the United
States. 1t further states that the Mex
lean government is disposed to act
according to the terms of the protocol
which l have transmitted to you.
Informed him that so far as this en-
bassy is concerned the matter is clos
ed and that l should Immediately in
form my government that Gen. Huerta
had definitely refused the demands of
the government of the United States.
A translation of the note will be ca
bled later
President on Way
THE President will arrive at Wash
jngton at s O'Clock tomorrow morning."