Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1928, Volume III

812.404/939: Telegram

The Ambassador in Mexico ( Morrow ) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

Mexico , November 23, 1928—5 p.m.
[Received 10:10 p.m.]

307. …Yesterday afternoon I had a long conference with President Calles at which we discussed the clerical issue.

I told President Calles that Archbishop Ruiz had now returned to Washington and had had a conference with Father Burke, that Father Burke was hopeful of bringing about a return of the clergy along the lines already discussed in the interchange of letters provided that some assurance could be given by President Calles and President-elect Portes Gil that discussions might later take place with regard to changes in the Constitution and laws. I asked President Calles whether he thought it would not be advisable for Father Burke, accompanied by such person or persons he desired, to come again to Mexico to discuss the matter fully with him before he went out of office.

President Calles replied that he thought it was inadvisable to take the matter up in the few days he would remain in office because it would hardly be possible for him to give at this time any further assurances than he had already given in the letters he had exchanged with Father Burke. The President stated, moreover, that in the present state of the public mind, particularly of many members of the Chamber of Deputies, it would be very difficult for Portes Gil to do anything to carry out any arrangement at the outset of his term.

I then asked President Calles whether he did not think it would be wise for Father Burke to come to Mexico in a month or two with such persons whom he might select to discuss the matter with Portes Gil or himself, or both, along the lines suggested above. President Calles answered that he thought there might be an advantage in Father Burke coming at such a time, but that would be a matter which Portes Gil would have to take the responsibility of deciding.

… During the discussion of the clerical issue President Calles spoke with calmness and with regret about the recent occurrences in connection with the trial of Toral.⁵⁰ The President also spoke in the highest terms of Father Burke and the efforts which he had made and was making.

I expect to be in Washington by December 9, at which time I can discuss the matter fully with all the interested parties.

Morrow

50. José León Toral, implicated in the assassination of General Obregon.