711.1211/62: Telegram
The Chargé in Mexico (Summerlin) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 15—1:22 a.m.]
23. Your 21 March 7, 11 a.m. Pani called me Foreign Office noon today and handed me a copy in English of the following letter dated April 9th from General Obregon to Ryan:
“I beg to refer to our last conference on the subject of the international relations between Mexico and the United States in which you have shown such a deep interest not only as an American citizen residing in Mexico and fully acquainted therefore with her present situation and that of her Government but also as the common friend of President Harding and myself.
In that conference you expressed to me your doubts as to the possibility of a quick settlement between the two Governments if—as has been the case so far—communication is established through slow and formal diplomatic channel. In view of this fact you suggested to me the convenience of the appointment by each of the two Governments of delegates who being sufficiently identified with their policy and views should come in direct contact with each other for an exchange of impressions during a relatively short period and with the sole object to report afterwards to their respective high officials.
I have considered this suggestion and since President Harding is in sympathy with your friendly suggestions I wish to say that my administration would be pleased to accept that suggestion also showing thus once more its good will to cultivate with the Government of the White House the cordial feelings of friendship existing between the Mexican and the American people. Therefore if the President of the United States were to appoint two delegates for the above-mentioned purpose I would do the same in my capacity of President of this Republic.
It is not necessary for me to express here the utmost satisfaction it would afford me should the occasion arise to offer the American delegates our hospitality as guests of honor of this city where in addition they would find the greatest facilities for their work and the best sources of information available. It is obvious that through these means and in these circumstances the two Governments would more easily arrive at the possession of the true facts correcting the unfortunate errors that have been an obstacle to their good understanding and bringing about with the greatest possible economy in time and procedure a real rapprochement toward the desired normalization of their diplomatic relations.”
Pani suggested that identic statements regarding the proposal be published simultaneously here and at Washington and that he would be glad to receive the statement prepared by the Department for publication here. Please instruct.