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The Confidential Agent of the Government of Mexico (Pesqueira) to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: While the informal and frank conversations I have had with Mr. Norman Davis, the Under Secretary of State, have resulted in a cordial and thorough understanding, I beg the liberty of putting upon paper the exact position and the definite desires of my government.
As you know, and as the United States must see, it is a new Mexico that faces the world in pride and confidence. From border to border there is peace. Not a single rebel remains in arms against the federal government, and a whole nation thinks in terms of law and order and reconstruction. On September 5 our citizens cast their votes in due accord with democratic procedure, and Alvaro Obregón, the great soldier-statesman chosen to be president, is supported not only by a coalition of parties, but by a union of faith and patriotism.
What you may not know, however, is the new spirit that animates my country. It is not only the case that our men and women have come to a deep and lasting appreciation of what Mexico owes to the idealism of President Wilson, so nobly and patiently exhibited in the unhappy years during which our oppressed millions fought against the injustices that weighed them down for centuries. It is equally true that they have thrilled to the world vision of the President—his tremendous ideal of universal fraternity.
Mexico today is not merely planning a future of happiness and justice for all within her borders. Out of our new strength we are willing and eager to play our proper part in the creation of a new and better order that will lift ancient burdens from the back of humanity.
A first task, of course, is firm and enduring friendship between Mexico and the United States. Not only are we neighbors, but every other consideration points to the wisdom of an understanding that goes beyond mere treaties and sinks its roots into the heart of each nation. We have the same political institutions, the same aspirations, the same ideals, the same goals.
[Page 190]Such a friendship is fast forming. The governors of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona—your border States—have already stretched out the hand of friendship, voluntarily telegraphing the President as to their faith in the stability, honesty and sincerity of my government.
Our business is to set this friendship on foundations so firm that it cannot be shaken by the attack of reaction. Permit me, therefore, to deal in detail with certain slanders that have not only prejudiced the people of the United States, but which have aroused much bitterness in my own country.
Mexico cannot but feel deeply grieved over the charge that she intends or has ever intended to disavow her obligations. President de la Huerta, as well as President elect Obregón, have on repeated occasions publicly declared that Mexico will respect all rightful claims duly proved as such, submitting herself to the recognized principles of international law.
The Mexican Government is prepared to establish a joint arbitration Commission to pass upon and adjudicate the claims presented by foreigners on account of damages occasioned during the revolution. Any claim that cannot be adjusted by means of direct negotiations between the claimant and the Mexican Government will be submitted to the consideration of this Commission, whose decisions will be deemed final and binding.
Mexico has likewise upheld that, in order to place international relations on a solid foundation the existence of a permanent machinery of arbitration is essential, for the purpose of deciding any difference. As regards the United States specifically, Mexico has already expressed her intentions in Article XXI of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and is prepared to enlarge and strengthen this machinery.
Our plan is to establish a national program based on order and justice. It is our firm belief that the people of North America are just as faithful to their own high ideals. Hence, nothing could better shield the dignity of both republics, as nothing could be more efficacious for the continuance of peaceful relations, than the operation of a Commission of this nature, organized in accordance with recognized international practices.
This policy should be made permanent, and the Mexican Government desires to cooperate in so far as may be needful towards this end.
Another cause of deep national resentment for the Mexican Government, is the oft repeated assertion that our laws are of a retroactive and confiscatory nature, and that our national program is based on a policy of confiscation. This is entirely groundless. Not one square yard of land has been confiscated in Mexico, not a single [Page 191] legitimate right of property has been annulled. Nor do we intend to deviate from this fundamental policy. President de la Huerta, and President-elect Obregón have also made repeated public declarations to the effect that Article 27 of the Mexican Federal Constitution is not and must not be interpreted as retroactive or violative of valid property rights.
We are a proud people, and the source of our pride is as high a conception of national honor as was ever erected by any nation. Therefore, Sir, when the Mexican government declares that it is willing and ready to assume full responsibility for all of its international obligations, it is a solemn pledge that will be kept to the letter.
Present conditions in Mexico—the stability of the government, the spirit of the people—together with the plain statement of a sovereign people’s purposes, all combine, it seems to me, to end misunderstanding, and I have the hope that your government will feel justified in recognizing the present government of Mexico, and in resuming official relations in order that [in] a spirit of true friendship and cooperation we may look forward to the necessary rehabilitation of Mexico.
Please permit me to thank you for your many courtesies and never failing understanding. In the spirit of your great President you have not lacked in appreciation of our struggle for liberty, nor have you ever lost sight of the fact that the sovereignty of Mexico is the most sacred possession of our people. It is because of this attitude that I am able to write to you in such frankness and such sureness that you will understand this letter to be no mere political overture, but the honest expression of an honorable friendship.
Respectfully,