New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-06-03
Will Fight if Mexican Peo-
pie SO Desire, Washing
ton Now Believes.
FUNSTON REPORTS
TROOP MOVEMENTS
Every Effort Being Made to Pre-.
vent a Clash Between
Forces, He Says.
From m. rrlbun. Bar,.aI


Washington, June Reports re
ceived through official channels to-day
convinced the Administration that Car
ranza's note meant exactly what il said.
The idea that It was intended purely
for home consumption has been aban-
doned. This government now realizes
1hat Carranza will 20 10 var II no other
course will satisfy his people.
This information was obtained
through inquiries sent out when the
note vas received. American ~ 'itary
and diplomatic officers in Mexico we're
asked TO report Immediately on Car-
ranza's intentions and his preparations.
General Funston reported to-day in
reply TO an urgent query from the Wsr
Department, that large concentrations
of Carranza troops had been effected
in Chihuahua near the Persning eXpe-
dition's base and line OF communica-
ton. He stated. however, that Car
rama evidently was doing everything
possible TO avert a clash in conformity
with the assurance given IN his note
General Trevino, commander Of the
Carranza forces in Chihuahua, has even
threatened with immediate execution
any Mexican soldier or civilian who
attacks or insults an American.
The State Department was advised
officially that every member OF Car
ranzas government Endorsed the note.
General 0bregon, although Re desire,
as. much as Carranza 20 avoid war, ap-
proved the document and will support
the First Chief in any steps he may
deem necessary 70 enforce il.
Polk and Baker Confer.
Counsellor Polk and Secretary 81
War Baker conferred to-day on the
data received by the two departments.
Their conclusions we're:
That immediate danger Of a conflict
between the American forces and Car
rama troops is small, and that as the
Pershing expedition has taken an en-
tirely defensive position it can remain
in Mexico for the present without pro-
voking hostilities.
That, however. prolonged stay
might lead 20 incidents that would
/ force a clash, although the Mexican
government would use every means 20
J prevent il.
Administration officials give no hint
D
rama note President Wilson took u
corrected copy of il on board the MAY
flower, and presumably will be ready
TO announce decision Monday.
/ General Funston's report. which -
/ the most reassuring factor in the stus-
ton, shows that the greatest courtesy
is being shown to the American forces
in Mexico both by military and civil
ians, direct result OF the stringent
measures taken By General Treyino.
He denies positively the report that
Trevino's forces have intrenchcd AMI
erected barb wire defences.
Twenty thousand CaLxanzs troops
are operating in Northern Chihuahua.
Four thousand are garrisoned AZ Chi
huahua City, and 1000 more. mostly in.
fantry, are encamped just south or
there. Five thousand are marching
toward MADEIRA. fifty miles from Mani
quipa, where Pershing has had his base.
Seeking to Eradicate Bandits.
Two thousand are en- route TO Ojini-
ga. across the Rio Grande from Pre-
sidio, Tex, near the scene Of the Bic
Bend raids. and the rest are scattered
in small garrisons over the interyen-
ing country.
SO far as General Funston can learn.
these troops are seeking 20 eradicate
bandits. and are not being deployed
favorably for an attack on the Amer
can column.
Generals Herrera and Trevino. wh)
have the principal commands in ths
field are believed 10 share CarranZs's
desire for peace. though - Is admitted
that some hotheads among the Car-
rama commanders are impatient OF the
restraint. Fortunately. none Of the
latter has an important command near
the Pershing expedition.
With this understanding Of the Sc
uation. II has been practically decided
thar the gradual retreat Of Pershing',
forces will continue and that no rein
forcements will be sent. II Is b.
ieved here that Pershing now has few
men south of Colonia Dublan. and thar
when the concentration AZ that point -
completed the expedition can remain m
Mexico for some time without proyoA-
ing hostilites