Grand Forks herald., 1917-02-13

Washington. Feb. 13.-Revolution-
swept Mexioo's dc facto government
entered the lists a. an international
peacemaker today with an identto
note to all neutrals proposing a joint
effort to end the he~European war to be
outing OFF Of all exports Of munitions
and supplies to helligerents
The communication was handed to
the state department by r. p. Negri.
charge Of the Carranza embassy here.
It was received with expressions Of
mingled amusement and gravity in Of
flcial quarters. There had been no
decision tonight as to the American
governments response, but the pre-
vailing opinion was that Secretary
lansing would reply promptly and
briefly. referring to the futile efforts
Of President Wilson to bring about
peace and pointing out that under ex-
listing conditions an embargo on ex-
ports would be a breach Of neutrali-
See German Hand.
Among entente diplomats Carran-
evidence Of German influence in Mex
leo, and as a further effort to becloud
the issues and embarrass the United
States in the situation resulting from
Germany's new submarine campaign.
officials Of the government were not
so outspoken, but those who COM
mented informally, frankly expressed
the same view.
Made Before.
It became known tonight that q
proposal similar to the ono now
brought forward offlcially was made
at one Of the closing sessions Of the
Mexican-American joint commission
which recently attempted to solve bor-
der difficulties. Luis Cabrera, minis
ter of finance in Carranza's cabinet.
and head Of the Mexican commission
ers, suggested to the Americans that
he had hoped the commission not on
ly would settle disputes between the
United States and Mexico. but might
bring peace to the world. An embar-
80 on exports was his plan.
Would Hit Entente.
Mexico's exports to Europe are con-
siderable and of vast importance to
the entente allies Enormous quan-
titles of oil for the British fleet are
drawn from the English owned oil
fields on the Mexican east coast.
Text of Note.
The Carranza note, handed 70 the
state department by r. P. De Negri,
charge of the Mexican embassy, says
in part:
lover two years ago there began
on the old continent the most gigan-
tic armed conflict which history re-
cords. spreading death, desolation and
mieery among the belligerent nations.
This tragic struggle has deeply
Of all the countries not taking any
participation In the struggle and 1t
would not be Just or humane that
these nations should remain indiffer-
ent before such great disaster. A deep
teutHment Of human brotherhood,
therefore, oblises the Mexican gov
ernment to offer it's modest co-opera-
ton in order to bring about the cos
sation of the struggle.
"The present European
war seems to the whole world as q
that ought to have been isolated and
limited long ago in order to shorten
its duration and avoid its extension.
Far from that the commerce Of the
neutral countries Of the whole world
and particularly that Of America, has
q great responsibility before history,
because all Of the neutral nations,
more or less have lent their assist
ance in money. in provisions, In mu-
have fed and prolonged this great
conhagration.
Urge EMBARGO.
"By reason Of human morality and
for their own national preservation
the neutral nations are obliged to
abandon this procedure ana also to
refuse to continue lending this assist
ance that has made possible the con.
tinuation Of the war for over two
years. To this end the Mexican gov
ernment, acting within the most strict
respect for the sovereignty Of the
countries at war. inspired by the
highest humanitarian sentiments ana
guided by the sentiment Of self-con.
servation and defenss, permits itself
to propose to the government Of your
excellency, 40 II 10 also doing TO the
other neutral governments, that work
ing, In mutual accord and proceeding
upon the basis Of the most absolute
equality for both groups Of combatant
powers. 70 invite them to put an end
to the present war. either themselves
or taking advantaSe Of the good on.
80 - - ~ AaAAlZ medlAdae q