New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-19
QUIT MEXICO,
FUNSTON PLEA
General Drops Bomb
on Administrations
Border Plans.
[Frnm Ths rrihune Bureau. J

[From The Tribune Burcsul
Washington, Aug. 1S.-General Fun
ston has dropped bombshell in the
carefully laid plans of the Administra-
ton for a joint commission to solve
border problems. In a telegram re-
ceived at the War Department, and
which the Administration is making
every effort to keep secret, General
Funston recon mends the immediate
withdrawal of the Pershing expedi-
tionary force from Mexican territory.
In a long report the American COM
mander bases his recommendation on
the following reasons:
The purpose Of the expeditionary
force has been largely accomplished.
The main Villa bands have been broken
up and dispersed, and those still at
larre General Pershing is no longer
able to pursue. Under War Depart
ment orders-issued after the Carrizal
affair, it is understood. to prevent any
further clashes-he cannot move from
his line Of communication except in
case of attack.
Not Needed to Prevent Raids.
For more than three months the
troops have been held in Mexico with
out action of any kind. With the
militia on the border the expedition
is no longer necessary to prevent BAN
dit raids into American territory.
Therefore he considers their with
drawal advisable.
The health of the troops also weighed
in General Funston's decision. lie is
understood to be considerably worried
over the approach of. the hot season
in Mexico and the hardships to which
tho men will be subjected. With the
physical STRAIN they have undergone IN
the campaign, coupled with the bad
climatic conditions, the outbreak of an
endemic is feared. Already the rate
n sickness. Il is understood, is con-
sidcrably higher than among the troops
on the border.
War Department officials were dunn
founded when the Funston telegram
WAS received. 1t is understood copies
quickly were transmitted to the White
House and State Department, where
the commission negotiations with Car
- were
immediately issued TO keep the mes
sage from becoming public, and Gen
eral Funston was advised, it is under
stood. not to wire any further recon-
mendations Of similar character.
Might Hamper Negotiations.
Should Carranza discover that Gen.
eral Funston was in accord with him
on the withdrawal of the American
troops. Administration officials realized,
the basis for the joint commissions
work would be largely swept away. On
his insistence, that issue was TO be the
first taken up by the commissioners.
Carranza's final consent TO the
broadening of the powers of the COM
mission, il is pointed out, was condi-
tional on the taking up of the troop
question first. With the American
commander himself recommending
withdrawal, it is feared Mexico might
disregard the commission plan alto
gether.
The Administration has been quick to
realize the advantage TO be gained by
using the expeditionsry force as lever
on Carranza. On the First Chiefs
extreme desire to rid his country Of the
American troops the State Department
has been enabled TO exact effective as
surances for cooperation in the border
patrol. With that weapon, even after
the military necessity for the crossing
had ceased TO exist, President Wilson
boped the commission would work out
cooperative measures leading to the
establishment Of stable government in
the southern republic.
A withdrawal of the troops, officials
realize, besides its disastrous effect on
the campaign. would defeat the Presi-
dents purpose of obtaining permanent
order.