Lifting the Arms Embargo to Mexico

A statement issued by Mr. Wilson explaining his action in lifting the embargo of arms in Mexico, February 3, 1914

.The Excutive order under which the exportation of arms and ammunition into Mexico is forbidden was a departure from the accepted practices of neutrality –– a deliberate departure from those practices under a well–considered joint resolution of Congress, determined upon in circumstances which have now ceased to exist. It was intended to discourage incipinent revolts against the regularly constituted authorities of Mexico.
Since that order was issued the circumstances of the case have undergone a radical change. There is now no Constitutional Government in Mexico; and the existence of this order hinders and delays the very thing the Government of the United States is now insisting upon, namely, that Mexico shall be left free to settle her own affairs and as soon as possible put them on a constitutional footing by her own force and counsel. The order is, therefore, rescinded.”

(From the NYTimes, February 4, pp. 1 and 2)