812.404/1775a

Press Release Issued by the Department of State, October 17, 1934

Criticisms of Ambassador Daniels because of implications drawn from a speech he made last July have been noted at the Department and were brought to Ambassador Daniels’ attention. This morning on the telephone the Under Secretary of State spoke to Ambassador Daniels of articles in the morning press. Ambassador Daniels informed him that on July 26 he had made an address to members of the Seminar, all Americans, at the Embassy in Mexico City. Ambassador Daniels said:

“The address I made to the members of the Seminar was exactly the type of address I had made in the United States expressing appreciation of the attitude of Mexico in recognizing the great work of Horace Mann34 and quoting General Calles35 as favoring the education of children. I was never more surprised than when I learned that any interpretation could be given my address as relating even remotely to controversial matters in Mexico. I truly believe the future of Mexico depends upon an educated population, just as I believe that foundation to be essential in my country and in all countries. The hope is universal education and in no country has this been provided except by general taxation.

“I profoundly believe in the principles of our country with reference to public schools, the freedom of religion and the freedom of the press.”

  1. Horace Mann, after a successful career as a lawyer and legislator, became, in 1837, secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education. In this position he effected a reform in the public schools which spread beyond that state and produced a revival of the common school system of the United States.
  2. Plutarco Elías Calles, President of Mexico 1924–28.