Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-06-01
is PREPARING HIS REPLY
TODE FACTO GOVERNMENT
Chief Executive Ready to Recall Ex-
pedition When First Chiefs
Forces Restore Order.
WAR DEPARTMENT ACTIVE
Gen. Funston Asked to Outline
Clearly Situation Confronting
Gen. Pershing in the Vicin-
ity of Chihuahua.

# was stated authoritatively to-
dav that American troops will not
be withdrawn from Mexico until
the Carranza authorities demon
strate control OF the situation
sufficient to protect the American
border. \ reply to that effect
probably will be made to Gen.
Carranza's note. President Will
son was represented today as
ready to withdraw the troops
when possible. but determined to
wait until the Carranza forces can
control the situation.
War Department Is Active.
steps were taken by the War De-
partment today to obtain more definite
ranza troops in Chihuahua. 1t was
said that the Carranza note prompted
regard to the diplomatic phases of the
situation.
Cen Funston has been asked to out
lire clearly the situation in Chihuahua.
according to his most recent informa-
fion of the whereabouts of Carranza de-
tachnlents. No anxiety is felt for the
safety of Gen. Pershing's columns, but
in view of the statements In Cen Car
ranza's note tprinted elsewhere in The
Star) it is desired to know as accurate
" as possible what the movements of
his forces are.
1t was explained at the War Depart
ment that the real mission of the expe-
dition at this time was to prevent at
tacks upon the wide sections of the
border, controlled by its position in
Mexico. As question of military
strategy. it is considered that only
force disposed are Gen. Pershing
troops could accomplish that
Keeps Bandits From Assembling.
large border garrison or patrol. it
was pointed out, might repel an attack
but could not make it impossible. With
Cen. Pershins's forces ready to break
VI any attempt by bandits to assemble
a force for surprise attack on an
American border town. officials feel
that renewal Of raiding within the zone
controlled by his forces is virtually
impossible.
Cavalry patrols are active through
the territory on both sides OF Cen
Pershing's bases and his line of COM
nunications. and War Department Of
hciaIs hold that a condition OF compete
security is being maintained IN this
region and along the border despite
the allegations of the Carranza note
that the expedition is "interned in Chi
huahua state. lying idle and with no
military object, its position constitut-
ing continued menace to the peace of
the two countries
No Reinforcement Contemplated.
No additional troop movements were in
contemplation today SO far as known.
There was no indication at the State
pepartnent that the developments had
produced an urgent situation. reply
may not be made for week or ten DAYS
Various Inaccurate statements it makes
will be pointed out. References to the
effect Of American domestic politics upon
the border situation, the suggestion that
all Latin America is waiting 10 see what
the United States will do TO maintain It's
protestations Of friendship and the refer
erce 10 American trade in war munitions
with Europe probably will be wholly ig
noTed although il is understood they
would have brought q sharp rebuke If any
less perplexed and disordered government
had taken such course
Encountered No Carranzistas.
The reply probably will point out
ths, Mai, Laughorne's detachment
penetrated nearly 200 miles into
Mexico in pursuit of the Boquillas
raiders without encountering one Car
rama soldier or official, and that while
ouch = situation prevails no steps to-
Ngr.! withdrawal will be taken.
The Mexican embassy has dis
i'-tuted copies OF the note to some
cl Tive other emf ssies and legations
Sr@sesrlons Of European influence be
n.cd the latest move by Gen. .Carranza
were renewed.
The state Department instructed
Cor=ul Dawson al Tampico today to
take up with Carranza officials the
protest of eighty-four American oil
operators who allege oppressive and
contscatory DEGREES.