File No. 612.119/1040

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

[Telegram]

831. Referring to my telegram No. 828, March 8, 11 a.m., does the Department wish me to renew negotiations here? My statements to the Minister for Foreign Affairs that I was disposed to continue negotiations was made before I knew Mexican Government had discovered [disapproved?] Bonillas’ and Nieto’s negotiations and referred to the continuance of the conversations I had had with the Mexican representatives in Washington.

[Page 617]

It is evidently the intention of Carranza and his Cabinet to make these negotiations as formal as possible and to reduce everything in writing with a view to making a better paper case for Mexico rather than coming to a speedy and satisfactory arrangement.

From the nature of these negotiations, involving as they do reference to many different branches and agencies of our Government, it seems to me that they should be resumed in Washington. However, our experience in dealings with Carranza shows that he will not give his agents full power and that everything will have to be referred back here for his approval, but even so, if the Department wishes to reach a speedy and practical result, I believe the Mexican Government should be informed of our Government’s willingness to continue negotiations in Washington in the most friendly and accommodating spirit with such representatives as he may appoint for the purpose. I could remain here to assist by personal explanation in any difficulties that might arise in the course of the negotiations.

Should the Department wish me to carry on the negotiations here, I can probably do so in a fairly satisfactory manner as far as the exports of food are concerned, as Mr. McCarty, representative of the Food Administration, will remain here if necessary for that purpose, but the handling of the details as to the other items which Mexico desires will be cumbersome and difficult by cable and it would seem that the matter of gold exports would almost necessarily have to be treated in Washington. I shall await your instruction before replying to the note from the Foreign Office above referred to.

Fletcher