Señor Azpíroz to Mr. Hay.
Washington, October 8, 1900.
Excellency: As the term fixed between Mexico and the United States on the 24th of December, 1899, for the extension of the water-boundary convention under which the International Boundary Commission is in existence will expire on the 23d of December next, my Government has instructed me to propose to you that a new convention be concluded between the two countries to supersede that concluded on March 1, 1889, said convention to be of a permanent character, or at least to stipulate a longer term for its duration.
Inasmuch as this international agreement, if brought to a conclusion, shall have to be referred to the approval of the Mexican Senate before the 15th of December, when its present session will close, so that it may go into effect on the expiration of the convention now in force, my Government impresses me with the urgency of a prompt solution.
I therefore beg that you will be pleased to inform me whether the Government of the United States would be inclined to conclude the new convention as above indicated, so that we may agree in that case on the provisions of the agreement, to which end it will give me pleasure to confer with you in that regard at any time that may suit your convenience.
Be pleased, etc.,