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INTRODUCTION

that some people thought the German activity in Mexico was no greater than, if as great as, that in the United States, while others believed it much more portentous.

In July, having my two passports in order, as both an American and a Mexican passport were needed, I left New York City for San Antonio, Texas, where I met and talked with a large number of Mexicans, including Mr. Sam Belden, the attorney for the Mexican Consul; Señor don Manuel Amaya, Official Introducer of Ambassadors in President Carranza's cabinet; General Salinas and a Mexican physician from Monterey. I remained at San Antonio until Ambassador Henry Prather Fletcher and Mrs. Fletcher arrived en route to Mexico City. Upon the invitation of Señor Amaya I travelled on the special train which took Mr. Fletcher to the Mexican capital.

I crossed the International Bridge with the official party and drove through the dusty streets of Nuevo Laredo to the railway siding where the train was waiting. That evening, after considerable delay— bandits had destroyed a bridge just outside the city—reached Monterey, in company with Mr. Randolph Robertson, Acting Consul-General for the United States, and several Mexicans, including a Captain attached to the National Palace.

The next day the train stopped at San Luis Potosi. Ambassador and Mrs. Fletcher were en-