MEXICAN TROUBLES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17198, 19 June 1916, Page 6

MEXICAN TROUBLES.

( ♦ CAR).!AXZA 1 S UI/JTMATL'-M. AMERICAN TROOPS FORBIDDEN TO GO FURTHER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received .June IS, 0.0 p.in.) WASHINGTON, June 17General Carranza has issued an ultimatum to the United States forbidding American troops to penetrate further into .Mexico. The United States was about to dispatch another Note replying to the previous Mexican demands, but withheld it pending developments. Further troops have been dispatched to the Mexican border. AMERICA AND MEXICO. SERIOUS SITUATION. On May 2 a New York correspondent wrote to a London journal as follows: Politely but firmly, President Carranza lias again demanded that the United States troops should bo /withdrawn from Mexico, and at to-day’s Cabinet meeting at Washington, it is understood that President Wilson declared that lie was equally determined that those troops should remain in Mexico until. President Carranza had demonstrated to his satisfaction that ho could properly control the bandits and insure against any further raids into American territory. No definite refusal, I understand, will bo sent in reply to Carranza’s demand. but- the suggestion will be made that the punitive expeditionary force now searching for the bandit A’ ilia shall be recalled and concentrated at a point in Mexico nearer tho border, there to await events. President Carranza may accept this compromise, it is suggested, because of tho report of serious uprisings •in Mexico under the Diaz banner, which may occupy all ms attention, and in which event the United States aid in preserving order in tho State of Chihuahua will ho welcome. Sucli an optimistic view, however, is not generally entertained. There can bo no disguising the fact that foi every day that American _ soldiers remain in Mexico tho feeling against them by tho natives becomes more bitter. General Carranza has informed tho United States that his chiefs find it increasingly difficult _to prevent their troops from attacking the Yankees. Such an attack, it is admitted by Washington, would force tho United States to invade Mexico. On such a slender thread, therefore, does tho question of peace or war hannr. Tho conferences at Juarez between General Obregon, representing President Carranza, and General Scott, representing the United States, are believed to be nearing an end, *\vith 110 agreement having been reached. The seriousness of tho situation to-day w&s reflected by the news from Columbus, New Mexico, that G-eneral Pershing, commanding the punitive force, is concentrating and disposing troops as it an attack wore imminent. Army officers hero confidently predict a bre&k with Mexico at an early date.