Page:Mexico under Carranza.djvu/23

Rh and starving Mexicans, was expelled from the country by Carranza. This astounding deed and its consequences are described in the Red Cross Magazine, the official journal of the organization, for November 15, 1915, from which the following extracts have been taken

 "At the request of General Carranza, and with the advice of the American Department of State, which was consistent with the request, the American Red Cross discontinued its relief activities in both southern and northern Mexico October 8, and Special Agents Charles J. O'Connor and J. C. Weller, whose enterprise, hardihood, and efficiency in relieving the starving populace had brought them much praise, have been withdrawn. As it developed, the State Department advice in advocacy of the withdrawal of the Red Cross representatives presaged the formal recognition of the Carranza organization. Announcement of the decision to recognize General Carranza and his forces was made October 9th. [The recognition as the de facto government of Mexico is referred to.]

"At this time, just as was the case the month previous, many deaths were occurring daily from starvation and the country as a whole was in a pitiable plight, economically and industrially. It has been devastated from end to end and so impoverished and demoralized that under the most favourable conditions it would be possible only slightly to alleviate the widely extended suffering which will be forced upon the Mexican people