811.34512/71
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico (Sheffield)
Sir: I am in receipt of your Embassy’s confidental despatch No. 275 of January 26, 1925, transmitting copies of correspondence exchanged recently between the Embassy and the Mexican Foreign Office, in relation to the desire of the Navy Department for renewal of the privilege heretofore accorded to the American fleet to operate from the waters of Magdalena Bay as an anchorage during periods for which diplomatic arrangements will be made beforehand in each case. It is noted that the Mexican Government is disposed to grant the desired privileges and to indicate the conditions to be observed if eventually the Navy Department should wish to avail itself of the privileges in reference.
In reply you are informed that the information contained in the Mexican Note has been brought to the attention of the Secretary of the Navy.
It is desired that you now inform the Mexican Foreign Office in a formal Note that the appropriate branch of this Government has informed the Department of State that the fuel depot in Pichilingue [Page 589] Bay will be permanently closed and relinquished in accordance with the wishes of the Mexican Government; and you will address a separate Note to the Foreign Office conveying your Government’s appreciation of the Mexican Government’s assurance that it will indicate the conditions to be observed if eventually the Navy Department should desire to avail itself of the privileges heretofore enjoyed on occasion.
I am [etc.]