Page:Hands off Mexico.djvu/42

 Wilson words balance Wilson words. It is only the words that are backed by ACTION, therefore, that tend to establish the Wilson purpose. The Wilson diplomacy has been directed toward "protecting the lives and property" of "nationals" in the good old imperialistic way. More, it has tended to bring about all the conditions most pleasing to the interventionist. Stopping short of a war of conquest, it has tended perfectly to prepare the way for such a war—when the time is ripe. The sum and substance of the Wilson policy leaves no hope for the opponent of intervention, but affords every hope and encouragement to the interventionist.

Although international law is clear that foreigners who deliberately remain, for business or other reasons, in areas disturbed by revolution, must take the same chances as citizens, and have no right to demand the armed forces of their home governments to protect them; and although American courts and American statemen have frequently acknowledged this principle; and although the President himself applied it to Mexico to the extent of advising Americans to leave disturbed districts at various times; nevertheless, he has repeatedly threatened Mexico on behalf of "American lives."

I quote him on three widely separated occasions:

August 27, 1913:

"You will convey to the authorities the indication that any maltreatment of Americans would be likely to RAISE THE QUESTION OF INTERVENTION." (Instructions dictated by the President and wired to all American consuls in Mexico.)

March 9, 1915:

"The Government of the United States . . . desires General Obregon and General Carranza to know that it has, after mature consideration, determined that if . . . Americans should suffer . . . because they fail to provide means of protection to life and property, it will hold General Obregon and General Carranza personally responsible (and) . . . WILL TAKE SUCH MEASURES AS ARE EXPEDIENT TO BRING TO ACCOUNT THOSE WHO ARE PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE.” (Note to Carranza.)

July 22, 1919:

"Should the lives of American citizens continue to remain unsafe and these murders continue by means of the unwillingness or inability of the Mexican Government to afford adequate protection, my