Omaha daily bee., 1920-05-09
Government Takes Steps to
Protect American Citizens
Caught Between Opposing
Factions of MexiCanS.
COMMUNICATION WITH
CAPITAL SUSPENDED
Report Says Villa May Be
Given Full Command Of
Rebel Army-Capita| Of
CoahiuIa Joins Revolt.

Chicago Tribune Omaha Bee Leased Wire.
Washington, May 8.-Awakening
to the dangers that may be lurking
in Mexico for American citizens, the
government today ordered l,20O
American marines sent Immediately
to Key West to be ready for emer-
gency service.
Following reports of further re-
volt i'll Mexico, the flight of Presi-
dent Carranza from the capital, and
the cutting of communications be-
tween Mexico City and Washington,
the administration determined to
prepare protection OF American
citizens, who might be caught be-
tween Mexican opposing factions.
Secretary of the Navy Daniels is
sued orders late in the day for ma
rines on duty at League Island navy
yard, Philadelphia, to be held in
readiness for Mexican service. I'm
mediately afterward the transport
Henderson left Charleston, S. G., for
Philadelphia to take the marines
aboard and rush them to Key West,
where they will await further orders.
The marines will be under command
of Lieut.. Col. P. M. Bannon.
No Future Preparations.
1t is not the intention OF the
department to send any large armed
force to Mexico. At the War de.
partment it was said that there had
been no preparation for augment
ing the troops on the border or for
possible military operations, on an
extensive scale in Mexican territory.
The sole purpose OF the prepara-
tory orders to the marines at League
island is to furnish protection to
American lives at Mexican ports.
The present plans, it was explained.
do not contemplate the protection OF
American property, for this would
require sending troops inland and
it is not intended to order to Mexi-
co a force sufficient for that pur-
pose.
Five of the six destroyers ordered
to Kew West to hold themselves i'll
readiness for duty near Mexican
ports where Americans may be in
danger, arrived at Key West today.
The Henderson will join them there
after embarking the marines at
League Island.
Communication between Mexico
CITY and the outside world has been
suspended since Thursday evening,
and the State department was en-
gagged all day in the effort to get
in touch with the capital by both
land wires and wireless. This con-
dition fits in with the theory that
President Carranza has suspended
tclegraphic communication in order
to insure his safety in his reported
flight from Mexico City either to
Vera Cruz or the American border.
Saltillo Joins Revolt.
Saitillo, capital of the state OF
Coahuila, has gone over to the reb-
els, according to advices received
at the State department. Other IN
formation reaching Washington has
it that General Murguia, who has
been placed in command OF the fed
eral forces in Mexico City, and its
district, has reprimanded General
Manuel Degurez for permitting his
force of 5000 men in the Guadela-
lara district to be cut off.
One report heard here today was
that Pancho Villa would be given a
command in the rebel army. At the
Washington headquarters of the reb-
els it was denied that there had been
trouble between Villa and Governor
Gales. The statement was made that
it was only a question of how Villa
will be utilized and the field to which
his operations will be limited.
It was said at the State depart.
ment today that reports which have
been published that Henry Morgen-
thau, recently nominated to be
American ambassador to Mexico. IN
tended requesting that his name b
withdrawn as nominee for the Mex.
leo City post because of continued
opposition to his confirmation as
ambassador by the senate were with
out foundation. 1t is understood
that the senate delay in confirm.
ing the appointment of Mr.. Nor
genthau is not due to any opposl'
ton to him personally. but an &C
count of feeling that it would be
unwise to send a new ambassador
to the Mexican government during
the continuance of the present rev
olutionary situation below the bor'