New-York tribune., 1922-06-28
Hughes Acts Promptly
After Cabinet Discusses
Raid on Oil Camp and
kidnapping for Ransom
Armed Band Holds
s25O,OOO Property
No Punitive Action Order
ed, but Warships and
Troops Are Available

Prom Tie Tribun,s WostH9'or narsss
gvo., rt>,rsbanes Wa,tts'5s Bsrsss
WASHINGTON, juno 81 The
holding Of forty more United states
citizens for ransom 10 Mexico, 70
ported to-day, brought a demand
from the State Department that the
Mexican government take steps 70
protect the lives and property ~
Americans in the southern republic.
On rcccip; of adyiccs from Mexico
City that tho employees Of an oil
company had bccn taken prisoner
and property rcar Tampico worth
s250.00O seized. the State Depart
ment instructed It's representatives
in the Mexican capital to obtain
their release and TO demand punish
ment Of the kidnapers.
To-day's development complicated
the situation arising out Of the kid
uaping Sunday Of 4. Bruce Bielash,
former chief Of the Bureau Of lnves.
tigation 81 the American Dcpart-
ment Of Justice.
Secretary Hughes informed Pres
ident Harding Of the affairs IN Mex
leo a. to-day's Cabinet meeting. Al
though no action WAS authorized
pending further information from
Mexico. H. was learned that X
prompt measures are required the
navy is prepared 10 send a force
to Tsmpico. and troops from tho
Southern Department of the army
could be moved on short notice.
Failure Of Mexico 70 place additional
troops in the Tamp.co district Is cer-
tain 10 have an adverse effect on
recognition OF the Obregon govern
mont by the United States.
Bandits Demand $1,000 Pesos
The Tampico bandits who are led by
n rebel general named Gorozaya, ars
holding tho Americans captive and
have control Of the Aguada camp o,
the Cortez OIL COMPANY under guard
Of 240 we'll armed men. a message -
the State Department said. The bandits
have demanded 1900 pesos FOR the re-
lease o. the prisoners and properiy, ae-
co,ding 20 a dispatch from George 7.
Shaw. American Vice Consul ~ Tam
rico. ne added that there Hero 20
Mexican Federal troops 10 the vicinity
of Tampico and tho oil company haf
asked FOR American protection for 20
employees and property.
Immediately vpon the reccip' of
Shaw's DISPATCH Secretary Hughes Snt
tac following 20 the American eonspla's
a. Tamnlcoi
Urge appropriate authorities %
auoJ. 4gOl... ni,as4Ies 10 tAtsnp afer
quato protection 20 lives and proper'r
OF American citizens mentioned and 20
punish tho perpetrators or the OUT.
rago. EMBASSY similar.y Instructed
IN his message 20 American Lharge
d'Afaires George 7. Summcrin -
Mexico City, Secretary Hughes SAID;
"Urge appropriate authorities -
adopt vigorous measures B. ektend
ADEQUATE protection 70 lives and prop.
erty OF American citizens reported heif
bv rebel General G0rOzaya and ~ pun
ish perpetrators Of this outrage.
Raid a Diplomatic Complication
The Wholesale raid upon 'he Amsr.-
cans. coming as Il does upon nc ner's
OF the kidnapping Of Mr. Bie.aski A.
Cuernayacs, complieates ihe AeNleAn
situation, which has been progressing
10 the satisfaction o. The Adminis'sa-
tion.
demand that vigorous measures be
aiken by the Mexican government =,
eHord protection 20 the ransomco
Americans indicates that this govern
mcnt will insist upon the prompt re.
lease OF the Americans and Hlthdra~al
Of control OF the property ~ me
Gorozaya band OF outlaws. The faet
hat Consul Shaw's message said tha,
no Mexican federal troops were In me
Tampico district was o surprise 20 OF
icials. who were under mo impression
that the Obregon government was
prepared adequately 10 protect tAs
American Interests there.
The special service squadron OF the
navy, including SIX light, armored and
scout cruisers. Is now IN southern
waters and could be sent 20 Iampieo,
Rear Admiral William Cole, command
ing this squadron, has the Cleveland,
Birmingham, Tacoma and Galveston IN
Nicaraguan waters. and detail of
marines is carried by each vessel for
landing purposes. The Mexican Der.
der patrol includes $4,000 cavalry and
other troops.
Adequate protection OF American
lives ard property was the requirement.
that has been emphasized In all the me-
cotiations for Mexican recognition.
This policy was pronounced hy Seere'
tary Hughes in statement on June 7.
1921, in connection with the relations
Of the governments Of the Unlted
States and Mexico.
Protection Fundamental
The fundamental question which
eonfronts the government Of ths
United States in considering is rela-
tions with Mexico" Mr. Hughes said
AZ that time, "is the safeguarding Of
property rights against eonhseation."
"fhis question should not be con.
fused Mr.. Hughes added. with any
matter Of personalities or Of the reeog-
milton OF any particular administration.
Whenever Mexico Is ready 10 give as
surances that she will perform her
fundamental obligation In the protss,
tion both Of pertons and OF rights cf