711.00 Statement July 16, 1937/201
The Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs (Hay) to the American Chargé in Mexico (Boal)8
Mr. Chargé d’Affaires: In connection with the statement made in Washington on July 16th last by my eminent colleague The Honorable [Page 770] Cordell Hull, Secretary of State of the United States of America, I take pleasure in informing you that I have received instructions from the President of the Republic, General of Division Lazaro Cárdenas, to convey to you the following comment which the President has been good enough to send me in the premises:
The statement of the Honorable Secretary Hull abounds in affirmations which Mexico has traditionally upheld.
Undoubtedly the outbreak of hostilities between any nations whatsoever affects directly or indirectly the whole of humanity. Therefore no effort should be spared to avert armed conflict.
Mexico has always maintained that disputes should be settled by peaceful means.
Mexico considers that respect for the sovereignty of states is an indispensable condition for the preservation of peace.
Mexico has advocated non-intervention in the foreign and domestic affairs of other countries and has zealously observed the obligations of international friendship undertaken with other states.
Mexico deems a reduction in armaments expedient as a necessary (first) step in the attainment of complete disarmament.
Mexico is convinced that the problems which disturb or threaten to disturb the peace of the world can be solved only by a spirit of sincere collaboration among all nations, based on mutual respect and international justice.
Therefore Mexico applauds the attitude taken by the head of the Department of State of the United States of America and offers her active collaboration.
In transmitting to you the above text, I am particularly pleased to note the concurrence between the ideals upheld by the Government of this Republic and the aims defined by Secretary Hull, since such concurrence augurs a greater intensification of the cordial relations which so happily exist between our countries.
I renew [etc.]
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Chargé in his despatch No. 5201, August 10; received August 16.↩