412.00/95: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Wallace) to the Acting Secretary of State

45. Your 7732 March 14, 4 p.m. Foreign Office replies in note to the effect that the French Government has considered it advisable to continue the reserve maintained regarding the Mexican decree concerning claims against its Government, this attitude being in conformity with that of Great Britain, Belgium, and Spain, the countries most interested. French Government has always believed moreover that concerted action by the nations whose interests are involved in the decision of the Mexican Government was doubtless the most efficacious manner of obtaining a change in the provisions of the decree of 1917 and reaching thereby a just and equitable solution of [outstanding difficulties.] The note points out as principal objections, which French Government cannot accept, the provision in article 5 which indirectly tends to evading [payment of] reparation for the damages caused by Huerta, Villa, Zapata, Pelaez, etc., and the provision in article 14, that in case of disagreement between the arbitrators respectively of Mexican Government and interested power the third arbitrator shall be chosen by the President of Mexico. It does not appear that Mexican Government is disposed to effect results since article 17 stipulates that a subsequent law will determine ways and means of procuring the necessary resources to cover indemnities. French Government is [Page 635] not aware that this law has been passed and a period of three years being allowed the interested parties to file claims the French Government considers that the rights of its nationals remain momentarily reserved, it therefore prefers to wait until such time as the Mexican Government produces more convincing proof of its desire to settle these questions upon a basis of justice and to devote the necessary resources to effect settlements. The note states that according to the latest information there does not seem to be any such genuine disposition on the part of the Mexican Government. Text of note follows by pouch.16

Wallace
  1. Not printed.