South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-06-27
MEXICAN LEADER REFUSES
TO RELEASE PRISONERS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE y

fields and already the British en-
bassy here informally has asked as
surances that any blockade estab-
lished by the United States will not
interfere with the export Of oil from
this field.
Use OF Navy.
Sec'y Daniels also reported to the
cabinet his plans for the use of the
naval militia Of the country, which
numbers 5000 officers and men. 1t
is intended that these citizen sailors
shall have an opportunity for ser
vice on the blockading squadron
which is 10 maintain a pratrol off
both coasts of Mexico to prevent any
ammunition reaching Carranza. 1t
is the intention of the department 70
call these men up in lots of 1900
each and to give them actual service
instead OF the usual summer cruise.
International News Service:
MEXICO CITY, June 27.-High
officials Of the Mexican government
stated today that Chief Executive
Carranza had decided 10 reject
Pres't Wilson's demand that the
American prisoners captured in the
battle of CarrizaI be released by the
chihuahua military authorities
IF the United States makes peace
contingent upon the freeing of these
prisoners an official asserted. war
is certain"
Drafting of the formal reply to
the United states ultimatum was
completed at the foreign office short
~ after midnight.
From an authoritative source il
was learned today that the reply in
forms the United States that the at
titude of the de factO government
toward that country has been clear
lS set forth in previous cOmmunica-
tions. II is understood that Chief
Executive Carranza insists that the
presence OF American troops on Mex
lean soil is contrary to the wishes of
the Mexican people and government,
that he reiterates previous demands
for their withdrawal and that he
places responsibility for hostilities,
if they came, upon the American
government.
War Inevitable.
War seems TO be inevitable" said
high official of the foreign office
when asked what the outlook ap-
peared 10 he. Foreign Minister
Aguilar remained in his office until
late in the night. He has arranged to
take the field in case of war.
'Mexico's position has been set
forth in the following note sent to
other Latin-American governments:
The American government has
ordered modified a large number OF
additional troops along the northern
frontier of Mexico with the apparent
intention of provoking a conflict
with this government notwithstand-
ing this government and our people
90 not desire the same.
Although the unjust and unequal
conflict seems inevita BILE, our people
are determined 10 defend their SOW
ereignty and absolute independence
of our noble sons and of our coun-
try's great resources.
BIames Americans.
The government believes, and it
is fully manifest that the conduct OF
the American government does not
Comport with its protestations Of
friendship 20 the Spanish
republics and that its unjustihable
proceedings toward Mexico will az
feet our sister republics. and that IL
IS seeking TO rupture the bonds of
union in which through a commun-
ity of ideals OF origin and OF in
terest. we should be united and in
which We must be united in order TO
obtain SOLITARY for the future"
After sending this message. For
eign Minister Aguilar transmitted
another 10 the same countries out
lining conditions in Mexico as pre-
viously reported and concluding as
follows.
The American government with
out political foundation 10 declare
war on Mexico is trying 10 make a
conflict inevitable through Incidents