Evening star., 1916-06-01


stating that inasmuch as no formal
agreement had been entered into be-
tween the two governments the Amer
leans could not be considered as au-
thorlzed to send such expedition.
The Washington government ex-
planned the sending OF such an expedi-
ton saying that it regretted the atti-
tude OF the Mexican government re-
the frontier in pursuit of Villa and
that 1t was done in the understanding
that the former interchange of notes
plainly implied the consent of the
formalities.
The government of the United
States explained, also. that its attitude
was taken In view of the necessity for
rapid action. and explained it's willing
ness to receive an: suggestions of the
Mexican government relative to for
NAL agreement for the crossing of the
international line by forces of either
country.
Both governments then hastened to
define terms of an agreement, two
projects of the Mexican government
ana two counter projects of the Ameri-
can government being exchanged In
discussing the agreement the Mexiran
government insisted constantly that
the operation of troops in a foreign
country must be limited as to the num-
Der or troops. the class of arms and the
territory occupied.
TO agree on these points, but in it's Ia st
note presented to this government
agreed to accept in part these lirlta-
t1ons. nevertheless insisting that they
ton.
This attitude of the American gov
ernmeht caused the Mexican govern
nent TO send a note, under date of
April IL. suspendfng negotiations over
any agreement. in view of the fact that
the American government demanded
that the Columbus case should be ex-
cluded, and requested the retirement of
the American troops. as they were in
Mexico under no agreement. and as a
further reason because the Villa ban
dts had been dispersed and reduced to
impotency.
Meanwhile, the American govern
ment did not answer the note of April
~ nor withdraw the troops. and il was
found convenient by both countries
that a convention of military chieftains
meet a some border point in order to
treat on the military aspect of the sit
uation. and ascertain if by this road it
were possible to arrive at satisfac-
| tory solution. which on Mexico's part
consisted in the retirement of the
American troops from it's territory
TO this effect there met at Ciuda d
Juarez and FL Paso, on the part of the
american government, Gems. Scott and
Funston. on the part of the Mexican
government, the secretary. of war and
series of conferences in a spirit OF frank
cordiality."
Says Withdrawal Was Promised.
The note states that the conferees
exchanged data on the frontier situa
ton and prepared a memorandum for
| their respective governments, in which
Gen. Scott declared that the destruc-
ton and dispersal of the Villa band
had been completed. and therefore the
American government had decided TO
begin withdrawal of its troops under
the promise that the Mexican govern
ment would endeavor to maintain an
effective guard against new incur
sions.'
The de facto government, saws the
note. could not approve the agreement
because it contained stipula ton that
the withdrawal could be suspended
should another incursion serve to
change the belief of the Washington
government in the ability of the Mex
lean government to protect the from
tier" This condition WAS unsatisfac-
tory, the note adds. because evacua
| tion of its territory was question
affecting the sovereignty of Mexico.
| which should at no time be subjected
| to the discretion of the American gov
| ernment. and for the further reason
| that it might lend certain color of
legality to the indefinite stay of Amer
| ican troops in Mexico in the event of
| another raid.
| The raid on Glenn Springs and Bo-
| uuillas is then recalled as having oc-
CURED during the border conference
| Fearing a new expedition. the de facto
| instructed to notify the United States
| that the crossing of American soldiers
| on thi. new account would not be per-
| mitted and that orders had already
| OF to al Iar
| on the frontier to prevent it"
The note declares that Gems. Scott
| and Funston then assured Gen. Obre-
| gon that no pursuit of the Boquillas
more American soldiers would enter
! Mexican territory. This assurance,
1t adds. was reiterated by Gen. Scott
| himself in a later private conversation
with Juan Neftali Amador. subsecre-
tary Of foreign affairs, who had had
the opportunity to take part in the
conferences"
Distribution of Troops Offered.
| Because Of the ibility OF other
! raids. Gen. Obregon then suggested to
| the American conferees plan of dis
| tribution Of troops along the border by
both governments to prevent such In
| cidents. the note says, thus showing
not only the good faith of the de facto
| government, but also Its frank will
] ingness to arrive at an effective CO.
operation and end the cause for fric-
tion. The plan. 1t adds, was intended
| as a preliminary to the completion of a
definite and reciprocal agreement under
| which troops of either government
! could cross the border al long as such
! conditions obtained in that region
| Gen. Scott insisted on the form of
| the original memorandum. and the con-
| ference adjourned, leaving the matter
\ to diplomatic agencies for adjustment.
| Taking the matter up as of May o..
the date the note bears, 1t says that