Page:Mexico under Carranza.djvu/92

76 threatened by the general commanding the American punitive expedition. On the contrary, Carranza, apparently appreciating the fact that the wave of indignation at this outrage which swept over this country might force the hand of the Administration and compel the carrying out of the threats of Secretary Lansing and General Pershing, came forward with a proposition to appoint a joint commission to be constituted of three members representing each of the governments to "hold conferences and resolve at once the point regarding the definite withdrawal of the American forces now in Mexico, draft a protocol of agreement regarding the reciprocal crossing of forces, and investigate the origin of the incursions taking place up to date, so as to be able to ascertain responsibility and arrange definitely the pending difficulties or those that may arise between the two countries in the future.

The purpose of the Mexican government is that such conferences shall be held in a spirit of tie most frank cordiality and with an ardent desire to reach a satisfactory agreement and one honourable to both countries."

To this our acting Secretary of State replied as follows:

 "In replying, I have the honour to state that I have laid your Excellency's note before the President, and have received his instructions to inform