"That is it exactly," was the reply.  "If the State department should take cognizance of the situation down there and make any sort of a demand, war would be certain to follow in case the demand was denied, which it would be.  Therefore, the State department does not wish to make a demand.  Still, the American who is in trouble must be protected.  You are to go and get him out of his dungeon, or wherever he may be, and the Department of State will wink at what you do and look innocent."