South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-12-28
Answer of First Chief is Ex-
peCted to be Presented to
SeC'y Lane Who Heads
Commission.
MAY MEAN WITHDRAWAL
OF ARMY FROM MEXICO
President and SeC'y Lansing
Expected to Take a Hand.
Shots Are Exchanged
Across the Border.

Internatlona News Service:
WASHINGTON. Dec. 2s. - Con-
frmation that Gen. Carranza has re-
called his ambassador-design TO
the United states. Eliseo ArrendOn-
do. WIS received in Mexican circles
today. Specific denial however. was
made that this action was in any
way connected with the refusal Of
Carranza 10 sign the protocol. IL
was stated that the real reason was
the failure of the United States TO
I'D Ambassador Fletcher, who had
been confirmed by the senate as
envoy 10 Mexico, TO his post of duty
there.
WASHINGTON. Dec. rs. - The
administration today faced the most
serious situation In regard To Mex
leo that il has confronted since
American troops were ordered
across the border in pursuit OF Villa.
Information has reached here that
Gen. Carranza has refused TO &C
cent the agreement reached by the
Joint commission at Atlantic city
for the conduct OF future relations
between his government and the
United States.
The next step by the administers
ton will be decided this week or
early next, when the three MEM
beers OF the American section of the
fear
From sources close TO members
OF the commission. il was learned
today that the most probable course
viii be recognition of Francisco
villa as a revolutionary leader. re-
moving him from the status of a
bandit.
May Recall Troops.
II this course is followed. one of
the objections raised by Gen. Car
rama 10 the protocol understanding
viii be removed. as the American
troops viii be withdrawn. The OBJ
lection OF the first chief 20 keep
ing American troops on Mexican soil
ostensiblv Ito get Villa" was that
il constituted a violation Of the SOW
ereignty OF Mexico Military experts
here declare that the presence or
the column has been in reality a
bar 10 the activities OF villa as he
dare not venture west of the posi-
ton occupied by Gen. Pershing' s
command. insuring Carranza con-
troll OF that portion OF northern Mex
leo.
Luis Cabrera. chairman OF the
Nrsxfrar section of the com mission,
il expected to present today TO
Secy of the Interior Lane, the
American chairman, the answer OF
the first chief Co the demands Of the
administration that the protocol be
accepted.
This answer viii be conveyed 20
the white house and the state de
partment by Mr. Lane. The conduct
~ the negotiations is still i'm the
hands of the American cabinet on
Ger. but Will be taken charge of per-
sonally by Pres't Wilson and Sec'y
of Stale Lansing when the sessions
of the commission conclude.
One more formal session OF the
commission is probable. 90 wind up
its affairs and permit the members
fI the wv ctA NANlAT ~ AtANN A~'-FN
each other formally Seniors PAM
and BoniIlas OF the Mexican section,
doubtless will return 90 Mexico then.
under safe conduct. IL is regarded
here as doubtful if Mr.. Cabrera viii
return at this time. If at all
Eliseo Arredondo, ambassador
desienate of Mexico 70 the United
states. is prepared 10 leave here on
short notice While protesting 20
know nothing of the tenor Of the
Carranza reply 10 the American de-
n,and. ne is known 20 be ready 10
wind up his affairs here. close the
embassy. and leave for Mexico.
n was denied both at the embassy
and the state department that he
has been ordered home Officially
the administration Is still in ignor-
ance OF the hnal stand OF the con-
stitutionaHst first chief and il is
doubtful n such procedure will be
followed. officials here said. as the
inability OF the commission 20 work
out a plan satisfactory 90 Gen. Car
rama and the American administra-
tion does not OF necessity carry with
~ breaking off diplomatic relations
between Mexico aud the United
:5tGtsz