611.1231/135

Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Mexican Affairs (Tanis)

Dr. Campos-Ortíz, Counselor of the Mexico Embassy, called at the Division this morning and inquired whether I had any information for him regarding the probable date for beginning reciprocal trade negotiations with Mexico. I told him that I was still awaiting word on the subject.

He then referred to the concessions granted Cuba by this Government in the matter of certain vegetables and asked whether in the event that negotiations for a trade agreement with Mexico can not be initiated before December or January next, it would be possible to negotiate a modus vivendi covering Mexican green vegetables from Sonora and Sinaloa to be in effect pending the completion of an agreement at a later date. His idea seemed to be that this Government might be willing to agree to a modus vivendi of this character which would enable Mexican vegetable growers to enter our market on a favorable basis comparable with those of Cuba. He stated that his inquiry was entirely on his own initiative and that he wished to obtain information on the subject merely to enable the Embassy to reply to any inquiries which it may receive from the Mexican Foreign Office. This being the case he stated that he was unable to go into the matter in any further detail. I told him that I would advise him later.

R. C. Tanis