New-York tribune., 1916-05-03
DeferS Withdrawal Policy
Pending Conclusion of
Border Parleys.
PRESIDENT FACING
SERIOUS DILEMMA
Prolongation of Negotiations
with Mexico Expected to
Save Situation.
Prom ne Tr'hune Bureau


Washington, May 2.-The Cabinet
devoted the greater part Of to-day's
meeting TO discussion Of the Mexican
situation. President Wilson is under
stood to have explained that. until
General SCOTS final report Of his con-
ference with Obregon was received, no
decision could be made respecting
withdrawal OF American troops.
Administration leaders admit that
the President faces serious dilemma
because OF the conflict of his Pan
American policy with political ex-
pedicncy. Democratic Senator'S and
congressman. by threatening TO with
draw their support from the admins
tration's Mexican policy, have caused
the President to delay his order TO re
tire. though he is understood 20 be
convinced that the presence Of the
troops in Mexico is no longer required.
May Prolong Negotiations.
1t is hoped that negotiations OF one
kind or another can be prolonged
until the country is convinced the ex'
pedition has accomplished its purpose.
As soon as General Scott's report IS
received the State Department Will re-
sumo exchanges with the Carranza
government on the question Of with
drawing. Ii is believed that. If the
Carranzs troops can be held in check
a little while longer. the American
column can be retired with general
satisfaction 10 the American public.
Officials still express satisfaction
with the progress of the Scott-ObregOn
conference. Although it is admitted
that nothing has been accomplished by
il directly, II has at least given the
two governments breathing space IN
which 10 consider the situation. and
arguments advanced by General Scott
and General Obregon will be used as a
basis for diplomatic negotiations.
The chief obstacle to the Admins
trations plan is not the Csrranza gov
ernment, which is apparently doing its
best 70 avoid any friction that might
lead to intervention, but the danger of
outbreaks in Mexican garrisons not
wholly controlled by the Mexican gov
ernment. Repetition Of the incident
at Parral, il is feared, would compel
Intervention against the wishes OF both
governments.
Obregsn Denies Mobilization.
The Mexican Embassy has received
dispatches from General Obregon deny
ing there had been any recent moblliza-
tion of troops IN Northern Chihuahua.
From Mexican sources il was learned
to-day that, based upon immediate
Of the American troops,
General Carranza has of red 70 plaee
an active army Of $4,000 men in North
ern Mexico as soon as the Americans
are withdrawn The offer was accom-
panied By assurances, it IL said, that
more than half Of this force would be
so placed as TO guarantee border towns
from future border raids, while the re-
meinder would be used in a vigorous
pursuit Of bandits until the whole ter
ritorv adjacent 10 the border had been
absolutely cleared.
Il was the condition Of immediate
American withdrawal attached TO the
offer. it is understood, which led TO the
interruption Of the FL Paso conference
while Generals Scott and Funston lald
the situation before President wilson.
They had no power TO deal on thaI
basis There is nothing TO Indicate
that any such power has been con
ferred upon them since.