Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1916-03-31
Wilson'S Statement On Mexican
Situation.

This statement was issued last Saturday
night by President Wilson to guide the
public regarding American military opera
tons in Mexico:
As has already been announced. the ex-
petition into Mexico was ordered under an
agreement with the de facto government
Of Mexico for the single purpose Of taking
the bandit Villa, whose forces had actually
invaded the territory of the United States,
and In no sense intended as an invasion
Of that republic or as an infringement of
its sovereignty.
have, therefore. asked the several news
services to be good enough to assist the
Administration in keeping this view Of the
expedition constantly before both the peo-
pie Of this country and the distressed and
sensitive people Of Mexico. who are very
susceptible indeed to impressions received
from the American press not only. but also
very ready to believe that those impress
sions proceed from the views and objects
Of our Government ITSELF
Such conclusions, 1t must be said, are
not unnatural. because the main IL not the
only source Of information for the people
on both sides Of the border is the public
press Of the United States.
In order to avoid the creation of erro-
neous and dangerous Impressions in this
way have called upon the several news
agencies to use the utmost care not to
give news stories regarding this expedition
the color Of war. to withhold stories of
troop movements and military prepara-
tions which might be given that interpre-
-tation. and to refrain from publishing I'M
verified rumors of unrest in Mexico.
feel that 1t Is most desirable to impress
upon both our own people and the people
Of Mexico the facts that the expedition is
simply a necessary punitive measure,
aimed solely at the elimination of the
marauders who raided Columbus, and who
infest an unprotected district near the
border which they use as base in making
attacks upon the lives and property Of our
citizens within our own territory.
1t is the purpose Of our commanders to
cooperate in every possible way with the
forces Of General Carranza in removing
this cause Of irritation to both Governments
and to retire from Mexican territory SO
soon as that object is accomplished.
It is my duty to warn the people of the
United States that there are persons along
the border who are actively engaged in
originating and giving as wide currency
as they can to rumors of the most sensa-
tional and disturbing sort, which are wholly
unjustified by the facts.
The object Of this traffic in falsehood IL
obvious. II is to create intolerable friction
between the Government Of the United
States and the de facto government OF
Mexico for the purpose Of bringing about
Intervention in the interest of certain
American owners Of Mexican properties.
This object cannot be attained so long
as sane and honorable men are in control
Of this Government, but very serious con-
ditions may be created. unnecessary blood
shed may result and the relations between
the two republics may be very much en-
barrassed
The people Of the United States should
know the sinister and INSCRIPTIONS in
fiuences that are afoot and should be on
their guard against creditine any story
coming from the border; and those who
disseminate the news should make 1t q
matter Of patriotism and Of conscience to
test the source and authenticity of every
report they receive from that quarter.