New-York tribune., 1919-11-17
William C.. jenkins Held
at Puebla; Connivance
With Bandit Leader i'm
kidnapping Is Charged
Report Not Sent to
State Department
Government Will Provide
Counsel if Accused Man
Is Brought to Trial

MEXICO CITY, Nov. 16 (By The AS
sociated Press William c. Jenkins
United States Consular Agent at 'Pua-
under surveillance in his home follow
ing charges by officials of Puebla thai
jenkins was not abducted by Federico
Cordova, the bandit leader, but was ir
connivance with him, according to in
formation received here last night.
The arrest Of jenkins came after
twelve poems had sworn to statements
before judge in Pueble, declaring that
jenkins had been seen in company with
Cordova, who accomplished his recent
abduction from PuebIa, under no re-
straint and in apparent understanding
with his alleged captors.
Government to Provide Counsel
New Yorlc Tribune
Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16.-State De
partment officials tonight said they
were without information of the re-
ported arrest of William o. Jenkins,
American consular agent at Puebla, on
charges Of conspiracy with FREDERICK
Cordova, the bandit leader, to bring
about his own abduction. 1t was be-
leved that if the Mexican government
had contemplated such move Il pro
test or charge against the consular
agent would first have been lodged
with the State Department before the
accused official was actually placed
under arrest.
1t was pointed out at the depart
ment however, that the Mexican gov
ernment was privileged to arrest any
American citizen in Mexico against
whom the government believed it had
sufficient evidence to involve in q
crime. 1t was said that Mr.. Jenkins's
official position as consular agent gave
him no immunity from arrest, but that
if he was arrested the American en-
bassy at Mexico City would Immediately
take steps to arrange for his release
and provide adequate counsel for his
defense.
"Reprisar' Is Suggested
State Department. officials advanced
the theory that the reported arrest of
Jenkins was merely a recurrence of the
rumor of several weeks ago that indi-
Gated jenkins was involved with his
captors in the abduction episode. This
previous report. however, was thor
oughly investigated and found to be
without justification by Secretary of
Embassy Hanna, CT the American en-
bassy at Mexico City. who twice visited
Pucbla alter Jenkins's kidnapping on
October 19.
1t was suggested in one quarter to-
night that the arrest Of Jenkins might
be in the form of "reprisal" for the
:harge of "sovietsm" made here against
Mexican Consul General De Negri. of
New York. 1t WAS recalled that when
British consul general in New York
refused to wise a passport for Colonel
Salinas, son-in-law of Carranza. to
visit England some time ago an order
was subsequently issued to Mexican
:onsuls to refuse to wise passports of
british subject desiring to enter
Mexico.
Jenkins Said He Paid Ransom
HANFORD, Cal, Nov. 16.-John "
Jenkins, father of William 0. jenkins.
made public tonight portions of a
etter received from his son at Puebla
lnder date of November 6, in which
he consular agent said he was heinz
lccused falsely of connivance with his |
,idnapers.
Mr.. jenkins declared in this letter
hat the accusation came from Car |
anzlstas who were acting in behalf |
u the Mexican government in it's |
fort ITO cover up it's failure to afford |
protection" to American citizens.
The letter recounted details of his |
apture ard Said the ransom demanded |
" tho bandits was paid by the writer.
, II am coming out of this country
ust as soon as can arrange my bust
less affairs" the letter declared, and |
dded that citizens Of Puebla in gen
raj were highly indignant over the
ccusatlons made by the Carranzistas.
Advices received in Washington on7
November Z from Mexico City stated
hat Consular Agent Jenkins had been
leared Of all suspicion of completely
n his kidnapping by Mexican bandits
n October I. The judge nvestigat-
ng the abduction, the dispatches added,
ook occasion to praise Jenkins as a
riend of the Mexican people, and re-
pected member of the community in
Which. he had lived for a number of
cars.
Jenkins was held for s15OO00 ran
ON, and the United States government,
emanding his release, sent what was
aid to have been the strongest note
yer dispatched in dispute between
ha two rnpuhlicS Tarkinc 1voc
sased on October 26. after his personal
ttorney, Senor Mestre, had paid the
ansom to Federico Cordova, the ban
it leader.
An official statement issued in Wash
lgton on the abduction OF Jenkins said
nat he would have to effect his own
of the money paid to
ne Mexicans who kidnapped him, un-
,ss he could prove that the Mexican
overnment was negligent in affording
i'm protection. His standing as an
ficial of the United States govern
lent had no bearing on the matter in
NJ way. il Waa stated.