The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1916-05-10
ACCEPTS MEXICAN PLANS.
UNITED STATES ADOPTS DECIS
ION REACHED BY SCOTT AND
OBREGON.
Americans Will Not Proceed Further
Into Mexico, But Will Hold Present
Lines, Until Time Comes to With.
draw-WilsOn Satisfied With Ar
rangements.

washington, May 4.-President Will
son announced tonight that the tenta-
tive agreement between Gen. Scott
and Gen. Obregon covering the future
operations of the American and Mexi-
can military forces in Mexico pro-
vides "a basis Of cooperation which
promises to prevent misunderstand-
ings and strengthens the cordial rela-
tions of the two republics"
Although there was no formal an
nouncement of the action, notification
that the Scott-Obregon agreement is
acceptable to the American govern
ment was telegraphcd to Gen. Scott at
FL Paso late today by Secretary
Baker. Gen.. Scott is authorized to
exchange formal acceptances with
Gen. Obregon as soon as the latter has
obtained the approval of Gen. Car
rama and officials here are confident
that will BE tomorrow or Saturday.
President Wilson issued this state
ment:
II have examined, with the secre-
tary of war, the report made by Gen.
Hugh L. Scott of the conference be-
tween him and Gen. Obregon, secre-
tary Of war of the republic of Mexico.
i THE report includes tentative
lagreement covering the future opera
tions of both the American and Mex
lean military forces and evidences
cordial cooperation between the two
governments in their common pur-
pose.
1 "As this agreement is being sub
mitted to the de facto government of
Mexico 1t would not be proper for me
to permit it's publication until that
government has had an opportunity
to examine and consider its provi-
sions
THE full text of the proposed
agreement will be given out imme-
diately upon it's acceptance by both
governments. In general I may say
that it provides a basis of cooperation
which promises to prevent misunder-
standing and strengthens the cordial
relations of the two republics"
| There was no doubt in official cir
clcs. however, that the plan would be
ratified within a few hours at most
land the disturbing situation on the
border and in northern Mexico be
disposed of.
Secretary Baker carried to the
White House today Gen. Scotts long
reports Of his meetings with Gen. OBJ
regon at which the agreement was
worked out. Later he informed Sec-
tary Lansing Of the plan. Instruc-
tions to Gen. Scott, authorizing him
to hold a final conference with Gen,
Obregon and close the matter up,
then were prepared.
1t is known that in. substance the
agreement provides for an active
campaign by Carranza troops against
bandits in the region south of the
present lines of the American expe-
dition and for the gradual withdrawal
OF the American forces to the border
as the ability of the Mexican troops
to police the country adequately is
demonstrated. Use of the Mexican
railways in keeping the American
expedition supplied also Is provided
for and in return the expeditionary
forces are pledged to exercise every
possible precaution to avoid clashes
with townspeople.
The limitations Of the expedition
under the agreement have not been
disclosed. 1t Is understood, however.
that 1t will hold the present lines for
the time being and not proceed to
the South in any event. The best
information at the war department
as to the present location of the
American forces shows that Gen.
Pershing Is at Namiquipa, but that
patrols are at work south Of that
place. Gen. Pershing's reports have
indicated that the great majority of
his command was inactive pending
the outcome of the Ell Paso confer
ence.
Neither the state department nor
the Mexican embassy received any
dispatches from Mexico City during
the day bearing on Gen. Carranza's
attitude towards the Scott Obregon
agreement,