Arizona republican., 1916-05-01
Presumably on Report of the American Conferees That Mexicans are Insist ing Upon the Withdrawal of American Troops
MEANWHILE MORE
 CROSS THE LINE
Gen. Obregon Called Upon by His Government Re garding Statement He Has Sufficient Force to Expel Americans
Republican A. p. Leased Wirel

lRepubcan A. F. Leased Wtrel
 FL PASO, Tex. April 30.-Mexican and American conferees over the dis position of the American forces in Mexico marked time today while Gen erals Hugh Scott and Frederick Fun ston awaited word from Washington as to the next step to be taken in the negotiations with General Obregon.
 The report of the American repre- sentatives on the first conference went forward by wire early this morning. On the answer of Presi- dent Wilson and Secretaries Lansing and Baker to it's recommendations de- perds the future status of the con- ference.
 In the meantime the following facts developed: That to date the appar- ent intention of the Washington gov ernment to keep General Pershing's : columns in Mexico has not been changed.
 That General Obregon in yesterdays conference served no sort of notice on | Generals Scott and Funston that could ] be construed as an ultimatum de- manding immediate withdrawal That the desire of the de facto gov ernment for withdrawal was again ! stated but that the only discussion along this line was regarding the ad- visibility of an American retirement. That there was considerable 1iscus- sion of the possibility of effective 1 American and Mexican cooperation in the eradication of scattered Villa bandit groups.
 That there is strong possibility there will be only one more confer ence held. that depending on the wishes of the Washington govern ment
 That. while the present negotiations are proceeding. shipments of supplies to the American expeditions front are going forward uninterruptedly. From stray bits of information that became known today it appears that yesterdays conference ended with the question of withdrawal of the United States troops still uppermost in the minds of the Mexican conferees. They are understood to have tried to im- press on the American representatives their claim that political conditions in Mexico are such that they cannot he responsible for any eventualities that may result from continued occupation of Mexican soil by the American
 columns.
 They are said also to have laid stress on the fact that the position of
 the CarranZa government would he i extremely delicate if the expeditionary
 movement was not ended
 In view of the already expressed ! attitude of the Americans that they
 were unable to discuss any other
 question than the cooperation of the
 two armies in dispensing the various
 bandit bands. the next step was tc attempt to reach a basis on whict : both sides might meet In some quarters tonight there was Q disposition to believe that the con
 ference will deal with the question o withdrawal. but that, so far as tn, American conferees are concerned th' subject will be approached with re u serve. It is pointed out that ther T has been no disposition shown by tn
 American government to consider tn
 mission of General Pershing's column as having been ended.
 'i In these circles it is argued that tn : United States might consent to relin .' quish the chase of the Villista ban {" dits to the forces of the de facto gov . ernment, but that, pending a sue ' cessful completion of this task by th = Carranzistas, it would insist on a par :, tial occupation of the state of Chihua
 (Continued on Page Three)