Villa, Francisco "Pancho"

Typed announcement signed ("Francisco Villa"), 1 page (13 1/2 x 8 3/8 in.; 342 x 212 mm) on letterhead of "Ejercito Constitucionalista Division del Norte, General en Jefe," Torréon, Coahuila, 15 June [?1914], to the Associated Press in Ciudad Juarez; formerly folded, a few tiny edge tears and small smudges. Half-morocco clamshell box, gilt-stamped title on spine, with postcard photograph of Villa's staff laid in. 

The Associated Press gets an "exclusive."

Probably written after the second Battle of Torréon (26 March–2 April 1914), the Mexican revolutionary, seeking to take control of the swirl of rumors in the American press surrounding him, issues the present statement (in English): "I have recently been quoted in the American press as saying things in interviews and statements which have never left my lips ... while personally I pay little attention to such matters, I owe it to my position and the welfare of my country that an end be put to this dangerous practice. I future, therefore, all statements I may have to make ... will be published exclusively through the medium of the Associated Press, and to no other matter purported to come from me, will attach any official importance or significance whatsoever."