812.00/25208: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Belgium ( Whitlock )
46. Embassy’s telegram number 47, dated October 28, 1921, 6 p.m. Evidently the Government of Belgium has been misinformed. Mexico has not been recognized by France. We were informed several days ago by the French Government that although they have appointed Clinchant as Minister, no orders will be given him to depart for Mexico until it is agreeable to the Governments of Great Britain and the United States. Recognition is not contemplated by Great Britain. In fact, both Great Britain and the United States are following the same policy in the matter of recognition. It has come [Page 438] to the knowledge of the Department, informally, from the Spanish Embassy, that Spain, which extended recognition to the Obregon Government, is not satisfied, and it has asked this Government in an informal way what action the United States intends to take regarding the danger to the lives of foreigners and the expropriation of their property. It is the belief of this Government that present conditions do not justify any change in our policy so far as the recognition of Mexico is concerned.
You may say to the Government of Belgium that we appreciate the policy which they have followed in the past and you may also inform Jaspar in an informal way that this Government would regard it as a matter of regret if Belgium should find it necessary at the present time to determine upon a policy which is different from the one now being followed by France, Great Britain, and the United States.