Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-04-24
Carranza Officials in Mex
leo Ask For Speedy
Reply to Request.
NOT 10 WITHDRAW
Y FOR THE PRESENT.
Funston Rsdisposing Troops and
y Shortening Line Preparatory to Re-
sistins Possible Attack-EHorts OF
soIdiers to BE Devoted at Present to
Rounding Up Scattered Bands Of
ViIIista Followers.

rama has asked for an early reply to
his note OF April 10. suggesting that the
American troops be recalled from Mex
lea. This was learned officially today
In connection with the fact that Elizeo
Arrendondo, Mexican ambassador des-
ignate, sought an interview with Sec
retary Lansing. State department off,
cials declined to discuss the matter.
( The Mexican embassy stated that the
request had not been transmitted thru
the ambassador SO far as known there.
! It Is understood to have been made di-
rectiy by General Carranza thru Spe-
cial Agent Rodgers at Mexico City.
Administration officials today looked
TO General Funston to carry out plans
for the redisposition of American
troops In Mexico. The plans approved
4 by President Wilson and Secretary
Baker were the outgrowth Of confer
ences between General Funston and
General Scott. ~ S.@.s
The plans were interpreted that the
United States will maintain a military
status quo beyond the international
line until the Carranza government has
i demonstrated its ability to exterminate
Villa and his outlaws. Meanwhile the
American fosues will be SO placed as to
guard the American border.
Capture Of Lopez Confirmed. lid 4
u Confirmation Of the capture by Car
ranxa troops Of Pablo Lopez, Villas
chief lieutenant reached the state de-
4 partment today from Consul Letcher
Z At Chihuahua. The message said Los
pcx was being held in jail there until
/ #Amkriean ofhcials Or army officers could
tslk "a him and 0atisfy themselves of
his identity. III u Il,
Withdrawal OF advanced forces, in
Mexico to the Casas Grandes region is
regarded by war department officials as
the possible purpose Of the redisposition
OF the troops General Funston has been
authorized to make. H.. ass
Secretary Baker made It clear that
General Funston had been given full
discretion and that he was not advised
specifically OF the steps to be taken.
Short and Safe Line.
Army officers pointed out that the re-
tirement suggested would cut the COM
munication lines to 100 miles from the
present border base. The shorter line
could be maintained with ease. they
said, regardless Of the use OF railroads
or the attitude Of Carranza military
commanders s5 u,
The American forces would then be
! able to take care Of themselves without
undue risk. They would also be able
to defend border towns.
II General Funston's purpose is to
4 establish his advanced lines around
Casas Grandes, a strip of territory. 500
miles long would be relinquished, as
the present most advanced American
point IL near Parral, 400 miles south Of
border. II ID In this territory that Cen
eral Carranxa would be required to
demonstrate his ability to obtain full
control, to stamp out brigahdage and II
noasible to capture or kill Villa before
4 complete withdrawal from Mexico
would be ordered. The presence Of the
troops ia Mexico probably will have an
influence on diplomatic relations with
Carranza.
5sss, carranxa Would Get Busy.
Y some officials believe that II q con-
siderable part Of the territory now con-
froiled by the American forces is turned
4 back to Carranza to police. greater ac-
tiyity will be taken by the de facto
q sgpvernment.
5 Nj. Arredondo sought an interview
with Secretary Lansing today IN re-
9ard to the plan to permit General
Funston to redistributes his forces.
& n II II believed Mr.. .Arredondo will be
told that while this government would
net change its. friendly purposes, there
was also no change In Its discrimination
fn see chat raids on border towns be