702.1211 Laredo/46b: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Mexico (Johnson)
12. For Clark. Estrada’s proposal entirely unsatisfactory. Your proposal satisfactory except I would like to make the following changes:
Delete the word “deploring” in the second paragraph, second sentence, and substitute “disapproving unreservedly”.
Delete the word “hereafter” in paragraph 3.
In paragraph 4 delete the words “The Department of State trusts that under these assurances the Mexican Government will find it possible to direct” and substitute “The Department of State feels confident that in view of these assurances the Mexican Government will direct.”
With these changes the statement is authorized. Johnson may sign and deliver.
I will be available for a telephone conference if you want me late tomorrow afternoon. My telephone number is Potomac 17.
It is a fair argument to make to Estrada that we want diplomatic passports mentioned because we already have a pledge from Texas in that regard and desire to hold Texas to it and can hold them better with a public pledge which they could not thereafter have the fact [face?] to go back on.
Freight embargo goes on today and each day’s delay increases excitement in Laredo and demand for reprisal. The form of reprisal which is threatening is to decline to permit Mexican immigration. Of course, we will not initiate reprisals and are trying to keep them down. Use your own judgment about using these arguments to Estrada.