The Washington herald., 1919-06-03
MEXICAN POLICY
VEERS SUDDENLY
Polk Reverses Action Of
Granting Carranza Troops
Privilege to Enter U. S.


With Francisco villa and Felipe An
seles. rebel leaders. reported to be
attacking Chihuahua City in force.
the complete story OF the State De-
partment's policy with regard to the
latest phase OF the Mexican situation
has become known here.
Chihuahua City is the capital Of
the state Of Chihuahua and the stra-
tegic key to most Of the Mexican bor-
der region Approximately 10000
rounds of ammunition. recently ship
ped to Carranza forces there, are en-
dangered, II is said. The city Is on
the national railway. 40 miles north
OF Jiminez, captured by Villa recently.
State Department. Course.
The State Department was agree
able to the request OF carranzista au-
thorides that their troops be allowed
TO cross American territory 50 that
they might attack the vlla-Angeles
forces operating In northern Mexico.
When news OF the departments at
titude, however. was learned. storm
of protest arose. One letter In par
ticular was sent to Frank Polk. Act
ing Secretary of State, informing him
that the situation was an exact dupli-
cate of events in 1915. which led up
TO the Santa Ysabel and Columbus
massacres.
At that time the transportation OF
Carranza troops across American ter
ritory was permitted, although rebel
leaders had indicated they would take
reprisaIs. The same threat was made
when anti-Carranzistas learned OF the
departments attitude in the present
case.
Reversal of Attitude.
On May % Mr.. Polk replied to the
letter referred to above; thanked its
writer for the information. he had
given, and told him the American
government had no intention Of grant
ing permission for the transportation
Of Carranza troops across American
soil
On the same day a telegram was
, accordingly sent to the governor OF
New Mexico by Mr.. Folks informant.
The governor was told he had the
constitutional power to permit the
transportation of Carranza troops. but
il was pointed out to him that II
nnassacres or attacks were made on
Americans he would have to shoulder
mart Of the responsibility.
The governor Immediately replied
sey wire. This is the substance of
what he said:
y. Two days ago. at the request OF
the Secretary of State. granted per-
-tnission for the transportation oI
Mexican troops
= The governor of New Mexico was
4 saved from further embarrassment
showever. by the action of the State
Department in finally announcing il
had denied Carranzista authorities
tne PERMISSION t1ey SOuHhh.
- First Action Undisclosed.
The departments reversal of Its
-original position brought about
. bv complaints regarding its action
Szas the only part OF the negotiations
s-wh4ch ct first became known. Orig
fnaIIy nothing was known of the fact
hat Carranza had asked permission,
uor that the permission had been
practically granted. Here are the
diplomatic steps which were taken:
81 Carranza authorities make the de-
Arnand for the transportation of troops,
saying the presence of soldiers in
northern Mexico Is necessary to pro-
rtect American lives and property.
- The State Department wires the
Governors of three States-Texas. Ari-
iona and New Mexico-informing them
lof the request and asking that they
give the authority. each for his in
,dividual State.
- Texnn Refuses Permission.
g. The governors of Arizona and
Kew Mexico send favorable responses.
sEhe governor OF Texas refuses his
permission.
a. The State Department sends an
other telegram to the governor of
Texas. informing him OF what 1t term
ed the urgency of the situation,
and asked him to rescind his original
zaction-
-SAt this time, however, further re-
gotiations went by the board, as the
.rublic along the border and American
citizens in northern Mexico heard Of
khe departments intentions and be
San their protest bombardnient. When
sthis reached its height the depart
-ment announced that it had denied
Carranza permission to transport his
Troops across American soil.