In early January, 1914, a hint was unofficially conveyed to the American Ambassador that Carden was to be summoned to London for a "conversation" with Sir Edward Grey, and that his return to Mexico would depend upon the outcome of that interview.

There was a likelihood that, in future, Sir Lionel Carden would represent the British Empire in Brazil.
This news, sent in discreet cipher to Washington, delighted the Administration.

"It is fine about Carden," wrote Colonel House on January 10th.

"I knew you had done it when I saw it in the papers, but I did not know just how.

You could not have brought it about in a more diplomatic and effectual way." And the following came from the President: From President Wilson Pass Christian, January 6, 1914.
MY DEAR PAGE: I have your letter of December twenty-first, which I have greatly enjoyed.
Almost at the very time I was reading it, the report came through the Associated Press from London that Carden was to be transferred immediately to Brazil.