South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-04-13
US. WILL NOT
WITHDRAW ITS
EXPEDITION YET
PerShing Will Continue Pur-
suit Until Government Has
Thoroughly Consider
ed Latest Note.
TROOPS ARE IN DANGER
OF BEING WIPED OUT
International Ecws Service:

United States will not withdraw its
forces from interior Mexico at pres
ent.
That was the position taken by
officialdom today IN discussing the
demand of the de facto Mexican
government contained in the COM
munication sent to Ambassador
Designate Arredondo for transmits
sion to Sec'y of State Lansing by
Candido Aguilar, Mexican foreign
secretary. Until the note has been
thoroughly considered by Pres't Will
son and Secy Lansing no official
statement Of position will be made.
But at the white house and state de-
partment officials said that the ex-
petition will continue its pursuit Of
Villa for the present.
officials familiar with the Mexican
situation said that it was almost GER
tain that this government will make
a reply 20 the note in which it will
ask that Carranza explain in what
manner he is ready to take over the
task OF getting Villa. It will discuss
the allegation that the expedition
entered Mexico under a mistaken
idea of the Carranzista governments
Willingness that it take that step. But
the United States will not concede
officials say, that ii has not the right
under established precedent to pur-
sue bandits who have murdered
American citizens in their own homes
until they are killed or captured.
Favor Stiff Attitude.
How far this policy is 20 be pur-
sued no one in Washington was will
ing to venture a guess today. That
will be determined by the president
himself The majority OF his ad-
visers are said 10 be in favor OF
adopting a stiff attitude toward Car
rama in the belief that II this is
done the Mexican de facto govern
ment will accept the inevitable and
will make no effort to interfere with
the American forces. But it is ad-
mitted that the president may over
rule that suggestion if he is CON
WINGED that the CarranZista govern
ment is really in earnest in it's de
claration that il can get Villa with
it's own forces
The situation confronting this gov
eminent is extremely serious. High
army officers fear that as soon as
the Aguilar note reaches the Car
ranzista forces in northern Mexico
they may attack the American
forces, They say that the position OF
the Pershing advance guard is ex-
tremely dangerous. The cavalry is
short OF supplies. the horses are al
most completely exhausted and il
attacked by strong forces would be
in danger OF humiliation. Many OF
the high staff officers here declare
that at least 10000 additional men
are urgently needed and favor an
Immediate call for the national
guard
Baker COnfers With Lansing.
Sec'y Baker conferred ar length
with Sec'y Lansing today and II was
admitted that the Mexican situation
was the topic Of discussion. Baker
presented 10 his colleague all Of the
reports from Gen. Funston dealing
with the difficulties in getting sup
plies to the front and urging that
the situation may be remedied i'm
mediately. II is said that Sec'y
Baker also presented reports show
ing the disposition OF the Carran-
zista troops at points where they are
a serious menace 70 the American
lines OF Communication
Neither Of the officials would dis
cuss their conferences or say whether
any definite decision was reached
They planned 10 confer with the
president today II possible
The text OF the Aguilar note
reached the Mexican embassy early
today and Ambassa dor Designate Ar
redondo Immediately translated it in
person. He planned 20 present It in
person 10 Sec'y Lansing some time
during the afternoon. but as this
was diplomatic day it was not neces-
sary 10 make a definite engagement.
Several or the South American
and ministers discussed
the general Mexican situation with
Sec'y Lansing during the day. but
none Of them would say anything on
leaving. explaining that they had
been requested not 20 talk.
The Aguilar note was the chief
topic Of conversation in congress to- |
day.