New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-24
L. S. Will Maintain
Military Status Quo
in Mexico.
FUNSTON TO SHIFT
LINE EASTWARD
Mexico Must Drive Bandit
North Onto Americans or
End His Activities.

Washington. April 23.-Behind
,he formal announcement to-day that
President Wilson had approved a
,lan for redisposition of the Ameri-
can troops in Mexico, there was a
plain intimation tonight that the
Washington government had deter
rined to maintain a military status
quo beyond the border until the Mex
ran government had demonstrated
ifs ability TO capture or crush Villa
and his adherents and prevent repe-
..tons Of the Columbus raid.
In the interim, it is understood. the
American troops will be so placed as
to safeguard the boz ier towns by
virtually policing the area south of
the line where General Carranza has
teen heretofore unable TO check ban
Dit operations.
Early Withdrawal Opposed.
This morning the Secretary. after
conference with the President. author
'Tizsd the following statement;
General Funston recommends a re-
disposition Of the forces in Mexico for
he purpose Of recuperatio1 and pend
ls opportunity for further cooperation
Ei,h the force Of the government Of
Mexico. His recommendation has been
ipproved and its execution left to his
ts,retion.'
Later the Secretary dictated the fol-
living:
The statement 7 have made indi-
'i'es nothing whatever on the subject
q when the American troops viii be
withdrawn from Mexico. The whole
'sbiect Of withdrawal Of the forces is
'adsr arrangement and negotiation by
'ie State Department
Nr. Baker declined 20 say whether
General Funston's recommendation in
'adsd his previous suggestions that
re border base be shifted from Colum-
is,, y. ". 70 Presidio. Tex. or some
elher point 20 the cast Of Columbus,
= order 20 shorten the line Of com
hanies,ion. RE stated positively that
70 additional regiments had been or
osied 10 the border. and that no such
'ieer was in contemplation.
State Department in Control.
lhe Secrctary made it clear also that
aAi'Ery officials OF the government
we're not cons der.ng the withdrawal
ION Mexico, thar matter being wholly
u ne hands o. the State Department.
reports received here from Mexico
Wy stated that General Obregon, Car
!Ant@s Minister Of War. would depart
.'-oay 70 confer with General Funston
- -. ne border. it is believed. in event
,-ls az, conference is held that the whole
~. ..a pursui. and military questions
vi be gone over
~ was announced tonight that Cen
va scott had completed his mission
=. ne border and would return 20
'@@s'hingion in a few days.
me new military plan leaves the
tsl., o. Villa a. standstill, but
,r5sss General Funstou's hands 10 make
.s position o. the forces in Mexico
-.sfe D. grouping them in posts Of
'.h h strength a. % protect them from
s.~ek Dy irresponsible elements OF
oe iac'o governments forces. II
.I also serve a. plain warning 20
.slsfai Carrauza that he must bend
~ effort toward securing complete
s.-lfo! - the territory sogth Of the
~ advanced American post II he
'1'' 70 have tn troops recalled.
Reports Carranzista Moves.
.. agreement o. Carranza troops near
border have been closely followed
= Seshffal Funston. and we're reported
y, i, ffssifent Wilson to-day By Secre-
.-Y baker General Funston is said
Z rae demonstFated that unless there
a Wofo1ga cooperation between the
'.-''ican troops and those % the Mex
- government - wIli be difficult for
-lt1ii ~ Villa % continue.
4. ~-fin2 me fearranRcmcntO 81 the Inc
!. 49, itffc viii be opportunity FOR
-. 'iate Department % make counter
,,..p,t@it ~ General Carranza urging
,Slsf cooperation a. means % Sc
- early withdrawal The halt will
~ yfe the men and horses Of the
!. ,.-sf'tan fy.ng columns a chance for
20 y. needed rest.
~ 'he troops concentrated In po-
f.'hs where they can control the en-
80 situation in the territory around
- " The need arise. it'nay be ar
- v General Carfanza that they
~ vail against which he can drive
y. bandits from the south. 1AS inti-
'',,'n would BE- that either tnis must
n. e'n' ~ the Carrauza foTces them
ss must crush out All brigandage
.'iDTe withdrawal ~ the American
,'' could be- arranged for.
- possiDie that % avoid the pos
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