The Washington herald., 1916-03-21
PROTOCOL MAY
Be NEXT STEP
Mexico Urges Formal Agree
ment for Pursuit of
Villa Bandits.
POLK FAVORS NEW PLAN
Would Allow Armed Forces of Both
Nations to Prosecute
Chase.

Proposals were exchanged yesterday
between the United States and the de
the drawing up of a protocol under
which the armed forces OF both coun-
tries may pursue villa and his bandit
followers as the common enemy of both
nations.
The original suggestion for the pro-
tOcol came from the Carranza govern
ment, and was laid before Acting Sec
rotary of State Frank L. Polk by Eliseo
Arredondo. Carranza's Ambassador des.
iSnate here. 1t represents, according to
the Mexican Embassy, an earnest effort
on the part of Carranza to cooperate
With the United States and to avoid
friction which is certain to come be-
tween the two governments if a work
ing agreement Of some kind is not ar
rived at
Impressed by the evidences OF good
will contained in the proposals, and
particularly by the activity which Mr..
Arredondo has shown in seeking to
smooth out the difficulties occasioned
by the entry of American troops into
Mexican territory, Acting Secretary
Polk is not only giving the proposals
serious consideration, but has made
counter suggestions as to the terms
OF the protocol
Definite Arrangement Planned.
1t is planned 20 have a definite ar
rangement drawn up to govern prac-
tically every contingency which may
arise in connection with the pursuit OF
Villa, such as cooperation between the
armed forces of both governments in
the field, the common use Of railroads.
the passage of troops through towns
and common assault on fortified towns
in which villa and his followers might
seek refuge.
In order to make it plain that the
Washington administration and the Car
rama government are seeking TO work in
harmony, it is proposed that the same
privileges granted the American force:
should be granted Mexican troops should
the necessity arise for Mexican soldiers
to enter American territory. When once
drawn, it is proposed that copies OF tho
protocol should be distributed among the
field commanders of both forces SO that
the possibility of conflict might be re,
duced to minimum.
The suggestions from the Mexican gov.
eminent arc TIE outgrowth of the request
made by the United states for permission
to use the Mexican Northwestern Rail
road for the transportation of supplies tC
Pershings base at Casas Grandes from
Ell Paso. Tex. To this request Carranzs
has not thus far acceded. owing to hi:
fear that his consent might provoke in
dignation among the Mexican people
That the Mexicans generally resent thu
presence of American forces in thei
country and that the situation is full o
! serious possibilities on account of th
resentment is freely admitted both a
the State Department and in cmbass!
circles.
would Expedite Campaign.
I
yesterday, however, Acting Secretar.
Polk made it plain that from militar.
standpoint the granting of the privileg
| to use the railroad would enable Gen
Pershing to expedite the work of the ex
petition, and therefore enable him t
shorten his stay.
1t was intimated, following the confer
ence, that IL Gen. Carranza saw fit t
refuse the request, the United State
would employ automobile trains to pre-
vision Pershing's forces.
The War Department yesterday aft
ternoon received a disturbing report froI
Gen. Funston telling of Mexican 1. w. v
agitators in Nogalcs, Mexico, maxim
Incendiary speeches and endeavoring I
stir up the Mexicans to invade III
United States and help out Villa.
Gen. Funston also forwarded to tn
department dispatch received by hi
from Gen. Pershing stating that ACCORD
ing to information received by the la
ter upward of 200 viiiistas were eitht
killed or deserted during and after Il
| raid m Columbus Nav