711.12/39½a
The Secretary of State to President Wilson
My Dear Mr. President: Ambassador Naón called to see me yesterday afternoon by appointment to discuss a plan which he has to visit Mexico and explain personally to General Carranza his views as to the friendly and unselfish attitude of this Government toward Mexico. He thinks that he can remove the suspicions of our motives, which he considers the stumbling block to a full and frank understanding being reached between the two Governments.
He would go to Mexico entirely on his own motion, carefully avoiding any intimation that he had consulted me before leaving. He will be careful to explain that he is in no sense acting as a mediator or intermediary (the fact is he does not approve mediation), and has only made the journey because of his sincere friendship for Mexico and his feeling that the spirit and purposes of the United States are misunderstood.
I told the Ambassador that I would talk the matter over with you and give him a definite answer later, but that I could not see any objection to his visiting Mexico as long as he did so without the sanction of this Government.
The Ambassador came from New York on purpose to lay this matter before me and returned yesterday afternoon. I shall be in [Page 563] New York on my way to Henderson Harbor for several hours Friday evening and could arrange to see him then and give him a definite answer.
In case we decide to adopt the plan of seeking the appointment of a Joint Commission what would you think of the idea of explaining it to Naón and having him, if opportunity offers, urge the acceptance of the plan by Carranza in case he goes to Mexico?
Faithfully yours,