Draft Telegram on the Mexico Situation

Enclosure 1.
The Government of the United States desires in the existing critical situation in Mexico to lay before the other governments which maintain diplomatic relations with that country a statement of its views in the hope that they may find it practicable to act in harmony with the course which this Government feels obliged to pursue. The interests of other Governments in Mexico are chiefly commercial, but conditions in that country affect not only the material interests of the United States but also the life, the happiness, the liberty and the essential welfare of all the peoples of this hemisphere, and particularly of the peoples of Central America. The interest and responsibility of the United States as an American nation stand therefore in a case by themselves. It is the belief of the President that the Government of Huerta, based upon usurpation and force, would long ago have broken down but for the encouragement and financial aid derived directly or indirectly from its recognition by other nations. The United States has steadily refused to recognize that government or to give approval to its continuance. On the other hand, this Government has desired to avoid the adoption in Mexico of a policy of domination and physical force, and, while refraining from physical intervention, has sought to exert the pressure of moral force for the purpose of bringing about a better condition of things. This Government is not prepared to entertain the supposition that there has existed on the part of other governments an intention to antagonize and thwart its benevolent purposes, but the encouragement given to Huerta seems to have been his chief support in refusing to take such measures as would result in the establishment of a peaceful and constitutional order. Having in view the attainment of these ends, the Government of the United States would be glad to be assured of the disposition of other governments to act in harmony with its policy. It is proper to add that although this Government is not now contemplating armed intervention in Mexico, yet, if conditions requiring such action should arise, it would, in accordance with its traditional policy, assume full and sole responsibility for such measures as it might take.
You are instructed to confer with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and communicate to him the views set forth in this telegram.