John Lind to Woodrow Wilson

This is the message which prompted me to wire the suggestions I made on the Coal question. The invalid friend is the General Manager of the Mexican Natnl. Railways Mr. Clark. He is right and the best friend I have in Mexico. We think alike. This must not be filed.Captain Burnside sends you the following from Mexico City quote our invalid friend strongly recommends that coal be contraband of war at once. During last 3 days rebel successes near San Luis Poto Si and in oil regions plainly indicates oil supply for national railway at an end few locomotives being now in the process of conversion into coal burners. Very little coal from other countries available and supply from northwestern Mexico not possible beyond shipment from the United States can be stopped it will have a positive hastening effect both of bringing the situation nearer to an end. Coal is absolutely essential for further military operations and is reasonably to be classed as war supplies. unquote.