Financial affairs. French Government believes foreign capital put in jeopardy by creation of one bank of issue under Carrancista Constitution; asks what measures the U. S. Government would be willing to take. Protection of American oil interests. Official statement of Secretary of Fomento on Art. 27 of Constitution seems to indicate intention of Mexican Government to annul all private property rights to petroleum. Commercial relations. Reply to Foreign Office has been made along lines indicated by Department's 883 of Mar. 15. Same subject. Acknowledges note advising that results of Washington negotiations regarding export restrictions are unacceptable, and expresses desire to cooperate and to renew negotiations at any time. Same subject. Transmits an editorial from El Pueblo, justifying President Carranza's refusal to approve Mr. Nieto's arrangements for gold exports from the United States. Protection of American oil interests. Views of the U. S. Government on deeree of Feb. 19, including statement that necessity may arise to impel it to protect the property of its citizens in Mexico. Claims of American citizens against Mexico. Further information has been requested from the Mexican Government with relation to meaning of certain articles of decree of Nov. 24, 1917; no definite position will be taken respecting decree until Department is more fully advised in premises. Protection of American oil interests. Transmits the opinion of the Secretary of Agriculture and Fomento as to interpretation of Art. 27 of Constitution of 1917 and suggests that any proposed representations be delayed until the bill to put this article into effect seems likely to be passed by Mexican Congress. Commercial

relations. Federal Reserve Board requests opinion as to best method of minimizing gold exports into Mexico; tentative plan embodied in quoted memorandum.

Commercial relations. The United States accepts in principle the bases for commercial intercourse suggested by Mexico, but due to exigencies of war is unable to export certain articles. Protection of American oil interests. Decree reported as recently issued providing that, if statements are not submitted in accordance with Art. 14, owners and lessees will not be permitted to perform any work of development.

Same subject. American operators would not be prejudiced against compliance with provisions of new circular which is being sent to the Department.

Claims of American citizens against Mexico. Transmits copy of note of Mar. 29 to Foreign Office, requesting information on certain phases of decree of Nov. 24, 1917, establishing a claims commission. Protection of American oil interests. Formal protest against enforcement of the decree of Feb. 19.

Transmits

Commercial relations. copy of his note to the Foreign Office, stating the United States accepts in principle the bases for commercial intercourse suggested by Mexico, but due to exigencies of war unable to export certain articles.

Protection of American oil interests. Transmits copy of note of Apr. 2 to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, protesting against enforcement of the decree of Feb. 19; also Circular No. 5 of the Department of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, clarifying Art. 14 of that decree. Border disturbances. Protests violation of Mexican territory by destruction of Pilares ranch on Mar.

29.

Financial affairs. Instruction to inform Foreign Office that the United States can not be expected to recognize right of Mexico to apply objectionable terms of decree of Dec. 24, 1917, to American citi

zens.

Protection of American oil interests. Comments on opinions expressed by the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture and Fomento regarding Art. 27 of the Mexican Constitution, with instruction to enter solemn and emphatic protest if he has spoken for the Mexican Government.

Commercial relations. Requests free importation from the United States of articles enumerated on attached list.

Claims of American citizens against Mexico. Requests attitude of the United States with reference to decree of Nov. 24, 1917. Protection of American oil interests. Requests instruction if Department desires additional protest to be made. Claims of American citizens against Mexico. Further information has been requested from the Mexican Government with reference to decree of Nov. 24, 1917; no definite position can be taken until information is received. Commercial relations.

Transmits note of April 6 from the Mexican Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs requesting free importation from the United States of articles enumerated on an attached list. Border disturbances. Disavows any intention of injuring susceptibilities of the Government of the United States in his note of Feb. 11.

Same subject. Minister for Foreign Affairs believes border difficulties are fomented by enemies of Mexican Government in the United States; Mexico is not seeking a quarrel with the United States; Mexican troops ordered not to fire at persons on American side; hopes similar orders will be given U. S. troops. Protection of American oil interests. Oil companies complaining of threatening attitude of Government troops in southern oil fields; outrage on Americans causing some to leave oil fields; trouble believed outgrowth of border situation.