Page:Mexico of the Mexicans.djvu/250

214 have been enjoying with impunity the liberty of the towns of Northern Mexico."

"So far has the indifference of the de facto Government to these atrocities gone, that some of these leaders, as I am advised, have received not only the protection of that Government, but encouragement and aid as well."

After denouncing the conduct of Villa, the Note proceeded: "Subsequent events and correspondence have demonstrated to the satisfaction of this Government that General Carranza would not have entered into any agreement providing for an effective plan for the capture and destruction of Villa bands."

Mr. Lansing next takes up in detail General Carranza's last demands. Charges that the United States Government had not fully answered a previous communication are flatly denied. Several mis-statements, noticeably a quotation copied in the Carranza communication and purporting to show the United States Government had formally admitted the dispersion of the Villa band had been accomplished, are cited. Mention is made of the Mexican Government's proposal that the American troops be withdrawn on the ground that the Carranza forces were so disposed as to prevent outlawry and border raiding.

It was because of these proposals and General Scott's confidence that they would be carried out, says the Note, that he stated in his memorandum, following a conference with General Obregon, that American forces would be gradually withdrawn. It is to be noted that while the American Government was willing to agree to this plan, the Carranza Government refused to do so. General Carranza is reminded that even while the border conference sat at El Paso, and after the American conferees had been assured that Carranza troops were able to protect the border, an attack at Glenn Springs occurred. The Note continues—

"During the continuance of the El Paso conferences, General Scott, you assert, did not take into consideration the plan proposed by the Mexican Government for the