New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-14
Lansing Issues Statement.

Lansing Issues Statement.
( In making public the text Of The
not, to Carranza the Secretary Is
sued the following statement on be
half Of Presid nj Wilson, reiterating
the Presidents previous announce
ment that the sovereignty of Mexico
would under no circumstances be
violated:
ITO remove any misapprchension
that may exist either in The United
states or in Mexico. the President ha
authorized me to give IN his name the
public assurance that the military
operations now IN contemplation by
this government will be scrupulously
confined to the object already an
nounced. and that in no circunctanc"s
will they be suffered 10 infringe In any
degree upon the sovereignty OF Mexico
or develop into Intervention OF any
kind in the internal affairs Of our sister
republic. On the contrary. what is nov
being done is deliberately intended 70
preclude the possibility Of intcrveu-
ton"
Concession i Conditional
The note TO Carranzs defines The
terms Of the agreement beyond the pos.
sibility Of misconstruction IN brief, Il
provides that where conditions arise
on the American side Of the border
similar 20 those at Columbus, which
led 20 the orders Of General Funston
10 enter Mexico, the same privilege will
be accorded 20 the Mexican de fac.o
government without the necessity Of a
further exchange Of views.
Il is clearly stated that the bandits
20 be pursued on American soil b.
Mexican troops must have come from
the American side, committed depreds-
,ions on the Mexican side and fed
back again TO United States territory.
There is no such instance on record IN
recent years.
From the White House Secretary
Baker vent 20 the War Department for
p long conference with Major General
Scott and other members Of the Gen
oral staff. Aftorward he said he did
not know whether troops had begun
crossing the border.
Reportg from the border laid before
President Wilson By Secretary Baker
during an hours conference tonight
indicated that such progress bad been
made in the mobilization Of American
troops that the first force against Villa
was ready 10 move into Mexico az any
time.
Wilson Rcscnts Rumor.
President Wilson was said tonight
to resent deeply persistent reports that
the United States expects trouble from
General Carranza. Some Administration
officials expressed the view that GER
tain element in the United States was
purposely misreprescnting the facts In
order 70 bring about war with Mexico.
The President. II Is understood, be-
lieves General Carranza has shown a
commendsble desire 20 cooperate with
the United States. and that the only
real danger OF serious trouble over the
pursuit Of Villa by American troops lie
u published reports telling OF plans
OF the American government for war.
II the issue becomes clear cut that
both President Wilson and General
/ Carranza want Villa, the murderer and
bandit. eliminated for the sake OF peace
/ and security. administration officials
do not believe there will be serious
dangcr Of widespread resistance.
There WAS serious discussion IN sd-
ministration circles to-day OF making
an effort 20 stop publication OF alarm"
Z isl reports
Administration officials are hopeful
that the note and accompanying state
ment. both Of which have been sent TO
Carranza through Consul Sillimsn, VIII
dispcl any danger that may have ex>