The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-06-23
THE BLOCKADE OUR SURE
WEAPON AGAINST MEXICO


Long before an American army
Of occupation could be prepared and
hurled into Mexico the life could be
starved out Of Carranza's resistance
by the enforcement of an air-tight
blockade of the country. That Is the
procedure that should and doubtless
will be adopted. The United States
has more than ample naval power to
enforce such a blockade. 1t can
clamp the lid on tight, almost in a
period of hours.
There is even now q very fair dis
tribution of naval force on both the
coasts Of Mexico. Enforcement Of
the blockade would be comparatively
easy, because the available ports Of
Mexico are not numerous; and those
which have railroad connections
with the interior are still fewer.
Moreover, the enforcement Of the
blockade would in short time re-
suit in the further Generalization Of
the whole railroad system Of the
country, already in very bad state.
/ Starting on the Atlantic side, q
glance at the map shows how easy 1t
would be to close up Mexico. Traffic
destined to its Gulf ports must pass
through the Yucatan channel, the
channel off Jamaica, or the Florida
straits. These can be blockaded and
thoroughly patrolled by a compare
lively few vessels; and the efficacy
Of such a Gordon would be the
greater because Mexico has no naval
power to oppose to our feet.
The Gulf ports which have railway
connections and facilities for hand
ling cargoes are, beginning at the
south:
Progreso, in the state Of Yucatan.
Campeche, in the state Of Cam
peche.
Frontero, in the state Of Tabasco.
Puerto Mexico, the Gulf terminal
of the Tehuantepec railway.
Vera Cruz.
Tuxpam.
Tampico.
In addition to these there Is the
minor port of Bagdad, state Of Ia
maulipas, which, though it has no
railroad, might be utilized for con-
siderable imports If it were not
guarded.
On the west coast are several
ports which require watching; and
to guard them would be a more diff
ficult task than in the case Of the
east ports, because there are no mar
row channels of approach to them
as in the case Of the Yucatan and
Florida straits, on the east coast.
These western ports, however, are
so remote from the sources Of sup
plies that they could be utilized only
with great difficulty. They are:
Ensenada, Lower California.
Guaymas, Sonora.
Topolobampo, Sinaloa.
| Mazatlan.
Manzanilla.
Acapulco.
Salina Cruz, the Pacific terminal
Of the Tehuantepec road.
Because of Mexico's naval i'm
potence, an effective blockade could
be established and maintained with
destroyers and light cruisers, Of
which this country has ample force.
1t is not necessary to make for
NAL declaration Of war In order to
create a blockade; but there must be
proclamation Of the blockade, and q
reasonable time must be allowed for
vessels within the blockaded area to
get out.
Consideration for the necessities
Of the situation in a military way
dictates that the blockade be pro-
claimed without delay. There should
be no waste Of time about it. The
pitiful explanation of "too late
must not be invoked later on tc
excuse failures that may involve
great loss of life and treasure, end,
less complications, and perhaps
great disasters. The one weapon
now ready and whetted in the hand:
of Uncle Sam is the naval one. II
should be used instantly.
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