Proclamation—Disturbances in Mexico

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Whereas serious disturbances and forcible resistance to the authorities of the established Government exist in certain portions of Mexico; and

Whereas under these conditions it is the duty of all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States to refrain from the commission of acts prohibited by the law thereto relating and subversive of the tranquillity of a country with which the United States is at peace: and

Whereas the laws of the United States prohibit under such circumstances all persons within and subject to their jurisdiction from taking part contrary to said laws in any such disturbances adversely to such established government and

Whereas by express enactment if two or more persons conspire to commit an offense against the United States, any act of one conspirator to effect the object of such conspiracy renders all the conspirators liable to fine and imprisonment; and

Whereas there is reason to believe that citizens of the United States and others within their jurisdiction fail to apprehend the meaning and operation of the applicable laws of the United States as authoritatively interpreted and may.be misled into participation in transactions which are violations of said laws and which will render them liable to the severe penalties provided for such violations;

Now, Therefore, in recognition of the laws governing and controlling in such matters as well as in discharge of the obligations of the United States towards a friendly country, and as a measure of precaution, and to the end that citizens of the United States and all others within their jurisdiction may be deterred from subjecting themselves to legal forfeitures and penalties;

I, William Howard Taft, President of the United States of America, do hereby admonish all such citizens and other persons to abstain from every violation of the laws hereinbefore referred to, and do hereby warn them that all violations of such laws will be rigorously prosecuted; and I do hereby enjoin upon all officers of the United States charged with the execution of. such laws the utmost diligence in preventing violations thereof and in bringing to trial and punishment any offenders against the same; and finally I do hereby give notice that, all persons owing allegiance to the United States who may take part in the disturbances now existing in Mexico, unless in the necessary, defense of their persons or property, or who shall otherwise engage in acts subversive of the tranquillity of that country, will do so at their peril and that they can in no wise obtain any protection from the Government of the United States against the appropriate legal consequences of their acts, in so far as such consequences are in. accord with equitable justice and humanity and the enlightened principles of international law.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington this 2nd day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and thirty-sixth.

WM H TAFT

By the President:
HUNTINGTON WILSON
Acting Secretary of State.