The Washington times., 1920-04-26
CARRANzAMEN
DESERT TOFOE
Troops Under RobeIeo Turn
Rebels as Fight RACES
Near Capital.
U. S. WARSHlP WATCHFUL
Revolution Headquarters Waits
Word of Victory Over Gov
ernment Army.

The capture or seige Of Mexico
City may result from a fierce battle
now raging just few miles away in
the Ajusco mountains, between at
tacking revolutionary troops and
Carranza forces, according to reports
received here.
Robelos' Men Deserving.
Early reports received at the
agency of the, Sonora secessionists
here. in charge of General Salvador
Alvarado. declared the revolutionary
movement is speeding rapidly. IL
was stated that several detachments
OF General RobeIo's brigade in More
los have deserted to the rebels and
may join them in the advance on
Mexico City, after a battle with the
troops under General Gustavo Elizon-
do near Cuernavaca-
Complete reports of the fighting
are anxiously waited at the revolu-
tionary headquarters here. Confirma-
tion is expected today of reports tnat
the port of Manzanillo, in the State
"
of the rebels. Reports received last
week indicated that a large part OF
the west coast of Mexico was likely
to be in control of the rebels before
another fortnight. .r
The diplomatic situation between
the United States and Mexico may
become involved if rebel forces con-
tirue to gain ground upon the west
coast of Mexico.
A large flow OF American business
passes through ports which the reb-
els now hold or which they are men,
acing, and il business between those
ports and the United States is to con-
tinue without interruption it may be
necessary for the United States to
enter some sort of negotiations with
General Obregon, leader of the rebel
forces.
The United States warship sacra-
mento is reported to be watching
the developments of the Mexican rev.
olution as affecting American and
foreign interests in the oil fields near
Tampico.
The Sacramento is light-draft
vessel that may in emergency pro-
ceed up the river to any desired dis
tanCe.
What ia certain is that this Gov
ernment now regards the develop
ments as likely to require some def
mite declaration or action, not only
by Washington, but by foreign gov
ernments as well. The news shows
that Guaymas and Topolobempo are
in the bands of the revolution, with
MazstIan almost within grasp Of the
new party.
The indications are that the Obre-
gon faction is about to win at Tampi
co, so that remaining important parts
for Caranza are Vera Cruz and
Salina Cruz.
Port Possession Important.
The possession of ports by the rev
olutionists is the main consideration
in the diplomatic mind here just now.
This is the first revolution which put
ports in the hands of the so-called
rebels and gave them the control
of exports and imports in extensive
areas behind those portas. The pos
session of a port of ports, is, i'm law,
the prime consideration in the matter
OF recognition of new political
party in revolution.
1t is a matter of comment here
that Carranza apparently has
dropped the curtain on his own move
ments and is screening his immedi
ate purposes.
1t Is not lkely Lnal lnere VIII Oc
much information on which this Gov
/ eminent can form any plans until the
commanders of the vessels now speed
ing to the west coast and the vessels
at Frontera and Tampico send in their
confidential reports, which will be
Immediately forwarded TO the State
Department. For the present official
interest is concentrated on the situ-
alton in the Tampico district
1t Is Understood that the sending
back to Mexico City of Charge
d'Afaires Summerlin means that he
was given special instructions to meet
emergencies. Mr.. Summerlin Ia Il
West Point graduate and is thorough
ly competent to give this Government
immediate enlightenmnt both as to
the military and diplomatic situation
in MeXiCO