812.24/477
The Secretary of State to President Coolidge59
Dear Mr. President: I am inclined to send the note hereto attached to the Mexican Ambassador60 in reply to his note.
Heretofore the Mexican Government has applied to us from time to time for the shipment of arms and we have permitted such shipments. At the present time, the Government is asking for a certain amount of munitions and eight airplanes. We are orally informed that these airplanes are to be used for bombing the Yaqui Indians who are in rebellion in the Yaqui country.
There are three considerations which move me to the conclusion not to grant this:
- (1)
- It is, of course, known to the Yaqui that the Mexican Government is trying to get airplanes and, if they are shipped, everybody in that region will know where they come from. I am not at all sure that the Yaqui will not retaliate on American citizens in that region and I doubt very much the ability of the Mexican Government to protect American lives and interests;
- (2)
- Mexico is now shipping a large amount of arms to Nicaragua for the use of the rebels and stirring up opposition to the present Government. I cannot believe that it is the policy for us to ship arms to Mexico when Mexico can spare arms to go to Nicaragua. …
- (3)
- Mexico is not now protecting American property. As I have informed you, there has lately been a raid on a ranch just across the Rio Grande and we have been unable to get any assurance for protection. Furthermore, I think at this time it is a very good thing for Mexico to understand that we are reconsidering the whole subject of the arms embargo and, as I do not wish to enter into any discussion with the Mexican Ambassador on the subject, I am inclined to put the sentence which you will observe at the end of the note.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sincerely yours,