MEXICAN BANDITS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3415, 29 August 1919, Page 15

MEXICAN BANDITS.

(By Cable.)

WASHINGTON, August 18. Mexican bandits seized two United States air lieutenants, and threaten to murder them unless they are immediately ransomed. The State Department regards the incident as likely to have grave consequences to American policy, and vigorous representations to Mexico are pending. The United States Government has demanded that Mexico shall take instant steps to release the captured army airmen who are being held to ransom by bandits. August 19. The ransom has been paid for the two American airmen, Peterson and Davis, who have been released by the Mexican bandits. They landed on Mexican territory under the impression that they were etill over United States soil. They walked and swam rivers for days before they fell into the hands of bandits. American troops have invaded Mexico, and are pursuing the bandits. The Senate Department noints out that the Mexican expedition is merely punitive. August 21. The Mexican Ambassador has been ordered by his Government to protest against American troops being in Mexico, and to demand their withdrawal. August 23. The attempts of the Americans to secure the' Mexican kidnappers failed. Several bandits were captured or shot. Additional American troops have been despatched across the border of Texas. Doctor Altendorff, a former United States military intelligence officer, ha 3 made a statement that German army officers were given commands in the Mexican army in 1918. They drilled native soldiers and German reservists for the purpose of invading the United States during the summer of 1918, Several high Mexican Government officials were paid monthly salaries by the German Government. Germany still hopes to secure the economic domination of Mexico and Central South America within 10 years. August 25. The leader of the bandits who captured the American airmen is reported to have been killed. He was shot from an aeroplane. The French and American Consuls at Mexico City are protesting against the expulsion of the British Charge d'Archives. MEXICO, CITY, August 22. The Mexican Government has decided not to insist on the departure of Mr Cummings. Charge d'Archives at- the British Legation.