Western Hemisphere 23
Narrative: This is a show of force by the United States in February 1880 following
Mexican proposals to colonize the island of Ciare, which is in the Gulf of California.
The United States charged that the colonization and corollary prohibition of land own-
ership by American nationals living in Mexico violated previous agreements between
the two sides. The protest from the United States occurred amid several other griev-
ances placed against the Mexican government under Porfirio Diaz; these included
border violations, poor treatment of American nationals, and similar incidents.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Compromise. Settlement changed from
Negotiated.
MID#1542
Dispute Number: 1542
Date(s): June 30, 1886 to August 23, 1886
Participants: 70 Mexico/2 United States of America
Outcome (and Settlement): Released (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Mexican authorities detained Cutting, an editor from Texas who had
published libel about Mexico’s leader, Medina, on June 18, 1886. The United States
protested, and he was eventually released on August 23, 1886.
Coding changes: End Date changed from August 24, 1886. Settlement changed from
Unclear.
MID#1541
Dispute Number: 1541
Date(s): September 1893 to October 11, 1893
Participants: 70 Mexico/2 United States of America
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: This dispute involves the Chamizal tract of land that shifted into Texas
territory from Mexico, following a change in the course of the Rio Grande River over
a period of several decades. In September 1893, Mexico lodged several complaints
of border violations and unlawful seizures on this tract by the US military, which
claimed that the land now lay in American territory. On October 11, the two govern-
ments agreed that a boundary commission was necessary in order to settle the dispute.
The two countries were worried that the contested territory could provoke additional
clashes if the dispute was not settled. The commission was unsuccessful, but tensions
eased.
Coding changes: End Date changed from Missing. Outcome changed from Unclear.
Settlement changed from None.
MID#1653
Dispute Number: 1653
Date(s): January 25, 1911 to March 2, 1912