In no way was the policy of Great Britain hostile to our own.

In fact, the British recognized the predominant character of the American interest in Mexico and were willing to accept any policy in which Washington would take the lead.
All it asked was that British property and British lives be protected; once these were safeguarded Great Britain was ready to stand aside and let the United States deal with Mexico in its own way.
The one disappointment of this visit was that Sir William Tyrrell was unable to obtain from President Wilson any satisfactory statement of his Mexican policy.
"When I go back to England," said the Englishman, as the interview was approaching an end, "I shall be asked to explain your Mexican policy.
Can you tell me what it is ?" President Wilson looked at him earnestly and said, in his most decisive manner: "I am going to teach the South American Republics to elect good men!" This was excellent as a purpose, but it could hardly be regarded as a programme.
"Yes," replied Sir William, "but, Mr.President, I shall have to explain this to Englishmen, who, as you know, lack imagination.

They cannot see what is the difference between Huerta, Carranza, and Villa." The only answer he could obtain was that Carranza was the best of the three and that Villa was not so bad as he had been painted.

But the phrase that remained with the British diplomat was that one so characteristically Wilsonian: "I propose to teach the South American Republics to elect good men." In its attitude, its phrasing, it held the key to much Wilson history.
Additional details of this historic interview are given in Colonel House's letters: From Edward M.House 145 East 35th Street, New York City.
November 4, 1913.
DEAR PAGE: Your cablegram, telling me of the arrival of Sir William Tyrrell on the _Imperator_, was handed me on my way to the train as I left for Washington.
The President talked with me about the Mexican situation and it looks as if something positive will be done in a few days unless Huerta abdicates.
It is to be the policy of this Administration henceforth not to recognize any Central American government that is not formed along constitutional lines.

Anything else would be a makeshift policy.