File No. 612.119/1003

The Ambassador in Mexico ( Fletcher) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

822. Referring to my telegrams Nos. 807, February 26, 12 a.m., and 815, March 1, 2 p.m., on the subject of the pending negotiations. I have not seen Nieto since our return. When I talked with him on the telephone he said Aguilar would continue negotiations; when I asked him what impression he had after the close of the Cabinet meeting he replied that it was somewhat pessimistic. When I called on Aguilar on Friday afternoon on another matter, he said that the President had entrusted him with the continuance of the negotiations, and that Pani and Nieto would assist him in matters concerning their Departments. I told him I was ready to resume whenever they were. It was expected by both Nieto and myself that we would be able to close negotiations satisfactorily after arrival here, but it was soon apparent that Carranza had other intentions. I called upon Aguilar last Monday and said I would be glad to call on Carranza at his convenience. So far he has not indicated a time for me to come although he has received Douglas, my new French colleague, and others.

El Universal published this morning an article laudatory of Nieto and his successful negotiations, etc., in Washington, and Nieto immediately [Page 604] wrote a note to the editor saying that praise of this character was susceptible to creating trouble and difficulties for him, and even of interfering with the unfinished negotiations because “the conditions of the present situation are very difficult and there possibly will exist radical differences of opinion as to the treatment of our international questions.” He concluded by asking that Universal refrain from publishing any further news relating to his commission to the United States unless given out officially. This letter and the manner in which Mexican officials have acted with regard to these negotiations since my return, together with persistent reports to the effect that Mexican Government is contemplating adopting stronger line of action in dealing with the United States, incline me to believe that this Government either hopes to receive assistance from Germany as indicated in the Department’s confidential telegram No. 799, February 26, 6 p.m.,1 or believes that United States is so engrossed and embarrassed by the Great War that substantial concessions in the matter of United States export restrictions, or possibly even financial assistance, can be secured from the United States by adopting dissatisfied attitude and perhaps threatening retaliatory embargo on oil, metals, and other exports to the United States.

Nevertheless when the negotiations are resumed I shall do my utmost to reach satisfactory arrangement and should then be able to develop more clearly the attitude and intentions of the Mexican Government. Department will be kept fully informed.

Fletcher
  1. Not printed.