John Lind to William Jennings Bryan

John Lind to William Jennings Bryan

Lind, John, 1854-1930

WWP17947

1913 August 20

Wilson Papers, Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence

Fe
TELEGRAM RECEIVED.
CIPHER______________

From Mexico,
Dated August 20, 1913,
Rec'd 9:30 p. m.

Secretary of State,
Washington.
August 20, 12 noon.

I took liberty to anticipate expression of sympathy, it was published this morning. Have just returned from extended conference with Gamboa in which he repeated former arguments in behalf of recognition. He cited our action in the case of Panama which he had purposely refrained from referring to in his note so as to give no cause for the slightest irritation. I declined to either defend or discuss our Government’s action in that instance but I suggested that it had no bearing on the present situation which is in a case by itself by itself in this that the Embassy of the United States unfortunately had become a quasi party to an agreement which resulted in the present de facto Government, that while our Government had not recognized or confirmed our Ambassador’s participation in the formulation of that agreement nevertheless so far as that agreement from the basis of the de facto Government of Mexico we had the right to insist that General Huerta who availed himself of some of the terms of that agreement must comply with all its terms. I urged these considerations only in reply the argument of precedent. That the vital principle in the attitude of our Government is that it will not recognize a de facto Government which assumes power by the means and under the circumstances of the present case. I gave him to understand that on this point my instructions were conclusive and final, that as to the other points specified by the President they were in a measure means to an end and if a better way to accomplish the object sought in any particular were suggested the suggestion would be considered in the broad spirit of the President’s entire attitude on the whole question. He explained that his own difficulties and embarrassments, the attitude of his colleagues and the almost total hopelessness of making them appreciate our view point. At the conclusion I asked him whether he had anything to suggest differing from note now that his formal record was made. He answered that with regrets he had not. I then asked him whether or not he desired me to report that answer. His reply was most positive that he did not. He then took up the question of the shipment of arms which has been under discussion with Mr. O’Shaughnessyand wanted to know my views whether it was right to complain of inability to pacify and also deny the means. I said I had had no correspondence on the subject but that I assumed that if there had been a change of policy in that respect such change was probably dictated by prudential considerations as to the government’s own necessities. He could not conceive of such possibility and subject was dropped. My report of yesterday still expresses my views.

LIND.

Letter

Bryan, William Jennings, 1860-1925