The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-18
FIRM POLICY FOR
MEXICAN BORDER
FORMED BY j. S.
Expert Shows American Gov
eminent Not Worried by
Prospects Of War and viii
Protect Lives of Citizens.
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.
CThe News SeImItar'S Special Core.
Id

NNF~ 'NN0 SGlVltN9F 0RECtdi SOTTE=
s~poHdent.)
WASHINGTON. June 1S-What is
the United States going TO do about
MexieoG The return OF American cav
airy from its brief patrol souh of the
mexican city Of Juarez has only served
70 a~ccentuate the delicacy Of the whole
situation. To s~ojourn on Mexican soil
Indefinitely tn the pursuit Of the rebels
VINO tire into American territory isn't
pleasing to the Carranza government
2 TO stay on the border and watch
Mexlcans fire bullets into the homes
oI american citizens isn't pleasing to
the washington government.
PRESIDENT Carranza has made no pub
nc protest against the entry of Amer
mAe u a bit. Dispatches from Mexico
NY would seems to indicate hat he
2 depending upon Gen. Candida AguilaE
MS confidential representative In WASH
lngton, TO make his position clear. The
general was allied into conference by
Acting Secretary Of State Phillips and
given an idea what the American
troops were trying to do-to protect
the border. Aguilar wasn't asked wheth-
er he agreed with the American gov
e%rnrnent's position or whether his gov
eminent consented--he was simply told
the situation.
In principle, the Carranza government
mas accepted in writing before the idea
that a raid into American territory by
Mexicans can be repulsed by Ameri-
can troops who may continue the pur-
suit into Mexican territory. Difficult
ties arose over the notification to be
given the Mexican government upon
Zach occasion that troops were to be
dispatched into Mexico and over limi-
tations upon the size of the expedt-
ton SO the reciprocal agreement was
never ratified. But Maj. ~Langhorne,
in charge of border patrols, has fire.
quently pursued raiders into Mexican
territory, returning within a day or
two and there has been no complaint
from the Mexican government. Some
apprehension is expressed, however,
over the effect upon Villa of the prac-
teal cooperation between the United
States and Carranza forces.
Action Swift.
The department of state once granted
permission for Carranza troops to travel
through Texas to JuareZ and Villa at
tackled Columbus, N. M, as a reprisal
Recently the state department refused
TO give any such permission. But when
the Villa troops opened fire on Ameri.
can territory there was no hesitation.
The plan of action had been carefully
worked out. The border was to be
protected at any cost. 1t is new policy
in the sense that fighting will not be
permitted even on Mexican territory
u there Is any prospect of damage to
American citizens living on American
soil.
AS for Americans in Mexico, It is re-
allied that Villa may exact reprisals,
that he may capture some American
mining men n make an example OF
them, but II he were wise he would
not provoke the American government
I an THAT arnra fnr n 10 mot ppIikal,r fhak
the next time any Villa forces ONE
near the border the American cavalry
| would be ordered to continue in pur-
suit of Villa himself Just as was done
when Gen. Pershing set out on a punt
tive expedition in 1915. The Carranza
government protested against that ex-
petition at the time and argued that
its forces were fully capable of hand
ling Villa. The lapse of time has proved
| that the Carranza government Is either
unwilling or incapable OF suppressing
lawlessness in Northern Mexico,
h logical outcome which observers
here expect lie a renewal Of orders ID
pursue Villa should he deliberately do
Injury to any American lives In Mexico.
so far as the United States govern
ment Is concerned, officials generally
are tired of what has been happening
below Rio Grande and while senti-
ment against Intervention Is Just as
I pronounced do over Oi Ilt tltOTH IndJ
Mexico will be helped in her economic
difficulties as soon as the Mexican ex-
ecutive becomes more flexible on that
subject, nevertheless the sentiment in
favor Of protecting Americans on both
sides of the boundary Is growing
stronger.
Troops Available.
1t is felt that there are plenty Of
troops available, not merely to keep
the border clear Of the fighting fac
tons and compel them to do their bat
Ting at a safe distance from American
territory, but that there are enough
forces available to pursue Gen. Villa
himself should he harm any American
citizen now resident in the territory
which he controls.
Complications with the Carranza gov
eminent are not feared as much today
as they were when villa made his raid
on Columbus. The situation has
| changed. At that time the American
keep from any quarrel with Mexico
which might provoke a general war and
cause a diversion Of munitions and sup
plies from American factories which
we're then going to the allies. The Ger
mans were seeking to divert Americas
| with Mexicans In their eagerness to
bring on a war. Now, however, a big
army returned from Europe, the war
department is prepared for any emer-
| gency and the government isn't SO much
concerned about the protests of the
| CarranZa go yernme mt. The situation
Is being made plain to Mexico.
America doesn't want to go into Mex
leo territory to pursue anybody, but
unless the recognized government CT
Carranza Is capable OF furnishing the
bandit leaders who have preyed on
Americans, inside and outside Of Mex
leo, the Mexican government will have
to bear the consequences of whatever
policy of self-defense that is determined
upon. That's the way things are look
Ing with respect to the Mexican stu
alton.
Copyright, 1919, by the New York
EryAriu0 pnct Iunl