411.12/2456: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico (Daniels)
234. Your 306, November 24, 4 p.m. The Department’s purpose is to negotiate an agreement along the lines contemplated by the Protocol, namely, for a lump sum settlement of all claims, or reference to an umpire of cases on which the two Commissioners have not agreed. The fact that some of the claims were not discussed was due to no fault on the part of the American Commissioner, who was prepared and willing to discuss all claims.
It is the Department’s desire that the present negotiations should be devoted primarily to a lump sum settlement and, secondarily, to the alternative procedure only in the event that efforts looking to a lump sum settlement shall fail.
The Department would very much prefer to have the negotiations take place in Washington and at as early a date as possible. As to the expense to which the Mexican Government refers, you may say that this Government would be willing to adjust this matter in connection with any settlement reached on the basis of joint expenses.