The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1919-08-19
U. S. WARNS MEXICO TO BE GOOD
WASHINGTON, August 18TH

WASHINGTON, August 18.-The
first definite move toward the long
expected change in policy IN dealing
with Mexico was disclosed last week.
Carranza has been warned that II
the murders and outrages of Amer
leans continue, the United States
NAV be forced to adopt a radical
change in it's policy with regard to
Mexico. -,
With the announcement at the
State Department, however, came no
authoritative indication of how far
the American Government is prepar-
ine TO 90 to enforce what lacks only
the diplomatic technlcalltles OF an
ultimatum.
The Government announced its
action by publishing an exchange OF
notes with Mexico City, and prefaced
it's official statement with the ex-
PLANTATION that the diplomatic repre-
sentatives referred to had been taken
Sin view of the long series Of muir
ders and outrages of American citi-
zens in Mexico, eliminating in the
murder of Peter CatrOn in San Luis
Potosi last month, and the perpetra-
ton of other acts in disregard of
American lives and property"
The following note, the State De-
partment announced, was presented
to the Mexican Government by
Charles Summerlin, of the American
embassy:
The text of the American note was
given out Thursday by the State De-
partment without explanation of the
delay in making it public. The de-
partment's statement follows:
"In view of the long series of muir
ders and outrages of American citi-
zens in Mexico, eliminating in the
murder of Peter Catron in San Luis
Potosi last month, and the perpetra-
ton of other acts in disregard of
American lives and property, the
American embassy at Mexico City,
July %, by direction of the Secre-
tary of State made the following rep
reservations to the Mexican Govern
ment:
Mexico City, July %, 1919.
Sir: With reference to the en-
bassy's note, dated July 16, 1919,
relative to the murder of Peter Cat
ron, near Wales, San Luis Potosi, on
or about July last, l have the honor
to inform you that l am now under
telegraphic instructions from my
Government to urge upon the Mex
lean Government the capture and
punishment of those responsible for
this murder, and the adoption Of
adequate measures to prevent a re-
currence Of the murder of American
citizens.
"T am also instructed to state
should the lives of American citizens
continue to remain unsafe and these
murders are continued by reason of
the unwillingness or inability of the
Mexican Government to afford ade-
quate protection, my Covenant may
be forced to adopt a radical change
in its policy with regard to Mexico.
Accept sir, the renewed assur-
ance of my highest consideration.
GEORGE T. SUMMERLIN,
"'Charge d'affaires. -"
To this communication the Mexi-
can Government returned a reply,
dated July 20, signed by Salvador
Diego-Fernandez, in charge of the
Department of Foreign Relations.
The communication to Mexico is
couched in probably the strongest
language used in any from this Gov
ernment since the exchanges proceed
ing the Vera Cruz occupation.
All official Washington began at
once looking behind the official texts
seeking some reason for an impend-
ing change of policy, for which there
has been demand in and out of Con-
gress.
Pressure from foreign Govern
ments and pressure in Congress
which is preparing an investigation
of the whole Mexican situation, were
among those most commonly discuss
ed.
Outwardly there was no reason ap-
parent except the long and growing
list of outrages on Americans.