812.00/19156c
The Secretary of State to Colonel E. M. House
My Dear Colonel House: You have doubtless seen in the papers the progress which has been made in the American-Mexican Joint Commission.40 I had intended to write you before about the matter but in view of the absence of Polk and Phillips the routine work of the Department has occupied much more of my time than has been customary.
At the luncheon which I gave to the Commissioners at the Biltmore yesterday I was especially gratified at the tone of the remarks made by Mr. Arredondo and Mr. Cabrera. They indicated very clearly the desire of the Mexican Government to adjust not only the boundary difficulty but all other controversies which have arisen between the United States and Mexico.
I might say to you, very confidentially, that Rodgers, who has been representing us in Mexico City and who accompanied the Mexican Commissioners when they came to this country and who is now with our Commissioners at New London, informed me that Cabrera had told him that they were willing to go into every question which the American Commissioners thought important, provided publicity could be avoided, as he was fearful that it would cause political trouble in Mexico. He also said that General Carranza had indicated to him the same thing, and looked forward with confidence that all matters could be successfully adjusted.
Taking everything into consideration I think the prospects are bright for a definite settlement of the Mexican situation although it will take some time to work out the details. Of course from the very outset—that is, from the time we recognized Carranza—peace, the restoration of order, and the renewal of industrial activity in Mexico [Page 564] has been practically a financial problem. It is that, particularly, which I hope to see solved.
Now that the weather is becoming cooler I presume you are thinking of returning to New York so that it will be possible for me to see you at no distant date. I have many things I would like to talk with you about, but at present cannot write them.
With warm regards to you and Mrs. House, from Mrs. Lansing and me, believe me—
Very sincerely yours,
- See report of the American Commissioners, submitted April 26, 1917, ibid., 1917, p. 916.↩