John Lind to William Jennings Bryan

Title

John Lind to William Jennings Bryan

Creator

Lind, John, 1854-1930

Identifier

WWP18089

Date

1913 October 10

Description

John Lind writes to William Jennings Bryan about the Mexico situation.

Source

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

Subject

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence

Text

BY CIPHER

Vera Cruz,

Dated October 10, 1913,
Recd. Oct.11, 9:12 am
Hon. W. J. Bryan
Secretary of State,
Washington, DC
October ten, two pm

Yesterday a prominent Mexican from city called in behalf of Huerta and presented three propositions for my consideration: One, if elections were held as called would United States recognize the man elected. Two, the elections having been held and if the country were at peace would the United States recognize Huerta for remainder of his ad interim term? Three, would I secure the removal of the war ships from their threatening positions in the Gulf harbors? Each proposition was eloquently argued. It was pointed out that presence of ships more than anything else caused a public sentiment that made it impossible to meet the President’s wishes with the frankness that could be done if they were removed.
As to the first I said that if a new man was elected under the conditions specified in the President’s instructions to me of course he would be recognized. Second, I regretted that by its recent action against the Republics to the south who like the United States adhered to the Pan American resolution adopted in the City of Mexico the Huerta Government had made it utterly impossible for the United States to reopen the question of recognition under any circumstances. Third, I did not think that presence of war ships in itself had created much prejudice but I realized that the subject is one that readily lends itself to that purpose and I thought it had been freely exploited. I suggested that the maintenance of an army at the boundary was probably more offensive. The Colonel thought not, besides, it was needed for policing the boundary. I said that our government under the unsettled conditions also deemed it the part of prudence to have a force in the Gulf, but I suggested that whenever the Huerta Government would submit to me a request that the army be removed from the boundary zone I will be glad to recommend that the (apparent omission) be also withdrawn. The Maderista bloc in Congress is wholly under Huerta control. The bill to postpone elections was offered at his instance and he has resorted to every device to pass it. On this point I have absolutely reliable evidence. Yesterday it became evident that bill would not pass. This morning I received message from the City that the Maderistas in Congress are formulating a plan for settlement which they desire me to communicate to rebels. Messenger is to bring it to me tomorrow. I have no details as to this scheme. In my judgment rebels will accept no settlement at Huerta’s hand at this late day. Detailed and accurate information obtained today through German sources as to the rebel situation confirms me more strongly in views expressed in yesterday’s cable. The Huerta Government is not only owned and controlled, as I have indicated, but every one connected with the Government is hostile against the United States, whose attitude has foiled their plans. The hacendados and all big business interests are also hostile. Under these circumstances it seems to me that legitimate commercial as well as political considerations dictate that the United States do not neglect the opportunity to foster the good will of that section of the Mexican people which is inevitably bound to rule the destiny of the nation. The certitude of my connections on this point is my only excuse for repetition. The United States will probably be compelled to land troops in Mexico before long. If this becomes necessary I should like to see it done with at least the tacit consent of one section of the Mexican peoples.

L I N D

Original Format

Letter

To

Bryan, William Jennings, 1860-1925

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Temp00574.pdf

Tags

Citation

Lind, John, 1854-1930, “John Lind to William Jennings Bryan,” 1913 October 10, WWP18089, First Year Wilson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.