600.127/175: Telegram

The Chargé in Mexico (Summerlin) to the Secretary of State

128. Today’s press publishes executive decree issued yesterday; greatly increased export duties on all grades of crude petroleum and its derivatives; the reasons given for the increase are to prevent excessive production, to protect national reserves and to provide for payment by the petroleum industries of equitable and proportionate [Page 448] amounts into the public treasury for urgent expenses and the renewal of payments on the public debt. The decree becomes effective July 1st.

Summerlin