New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-06-30
Freeing of Troopers
Leaves Unsettled d
Main Border Issue.
MEDIATION OFFER
AGAIN REJECTED
No Move Made to Check
Rush of Guard to
Boundary.
From The Tribune Buresul

Washington, June 29.-With the
release of the American prisoners by
Carranza and danger Of an imme-
diate break with Mexico averted,
President Wilson is now awaiting a
full compliance with his demands on
the de fGcto government. Those in
clude an explanation of the orders to
General Trevino to attack any Amer
lean troops moving south, east or
west from the positions now occupied
by General Pershing's column, and a
full statement of Mexico's intentions
toward the United States.
The situation is still serious. and
will remain so as long as the Ameri-
can troops are in Mexico against the
will of General Carranza, but il is
expected it will not again become
acute unless another Carrizal Incl
dent occurs.
There is no indication that Car
ranza's answer 10 the Presidents de-
mand for an explanation of his bell
ligerent attitude is on the way. The
release of the prisoners, it If be-
lieved, was intended to avert an i'm.
mediate crisis while the note was be-
ing prepared. The Mexican En-
bassy had word from the Foreign
Office that the men had been released
"to avoid aggravating the situation"
May Back Up Trevino Order.
limitations have come, it is under
stood. that Carrsnza intends 10 back up
the orders issued TO General Trevino
directing that American troops be at
tackled if they moved except toward the
border. officials are fully prepared for
a reply Of that character. despite the
fact that the prisoners taken at Car
rial have been promptly surrendered
on demand. They expect, however.
that the rcafFirmation of position will
be made in note free from hostile
language and continuing the discussion
of the advisability of the withdrawal OF
American troops from Mexico.
Apparently Secretary Lansing is de-
termned to get clear statement of in
tentions on which action by the United
States can be founded. Csrrsnzs off,
cials profess an earnest desire TO avoid
a clash, however, and a further strug-
gle TO fix automatically responsibility
for hostilities that nay come Is tore-
shadowed.
An unsatisfactory note from Car.
rama, while it will not call for such
drastic action as would have followed
a refusal 70 release the prisoners, will
convince President Wilson that the in
tentions Of the First Chief are hostile,
and will cause him 10 reinforce the
Pershing expedition heavily. II this
action Is necessary, II IS feared that IL
may increase the possibility Of clash.
No halt in Troop Movements.
The release of the prisoners has had
no effect on the military situation.
The National Guard troops will go ts
the border as ordered, and Pershlngs
orders have not been changed in any
way. The administration, while hoping
for the best, is preparing for the
worst.
Minister Calderon of Bolivia agsis
approached Secretary Lansing to-day
with an cffer Of mediation, but, as on
Monday, when he made his first offer,
he was given 10 understand tfat the
time was not ripe" He reported this
10 other La.in-American diplomats in
terested in a peaceful solution, at the
same time indicating that he would re-
new the offer after Carranza's answer
is received.
The administration ia in doubt as 10
how II will meet an offer OF mediation.
Thus far II has not rejected IL fatty,
but has put OF discussion of il on the
plea that the present acute stage OF its
relations with Carranza has made dis
cussion through third parties ineom-
patible with the dignity of the United
States. II
In principle President Wilson ia
vors the settlement of international
disputes BY this means, but some Of
fcials declare il H. impossible TO SUBJ
nit the right TO maintain troops in
Mexico 20 mediation as lorg as Car
rama is unable to crush the bandits.
II mediation is accepted. IL will almost
certainly be on the understanding that
Pershine's expedition is TO stay in
Mexico, whatever the other terms may
be.
Certain Latin-American diplomats
believe Csrranzs would consent to the
continuance Of an American force in
Mexico If it retired &c point near the
border and agreed to police only a re-
stricted zone. This proposal has been
made TO the State Department, and
while It cannot be discussed at the
present time it may form the basis Of
future settlement.
In no circumstances, It was an
rounced to-day, will the United States
submit the question to arbitration.
ANY agreement that MAJ be made viii