812.6363/3245: Telegram
The Ambassador in Mexico (Daniels) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 1—5:30 a.m.]
93. At the request of President Cárdenas I called on him at 6:30 accompanied by Mr. Boal. Before calling Under Secretary Beteta had told me that the President wished to express his appreciation of the friendly attitude shown his country, particularly in your press statement of yesterday,94 and his determination to pay all obligations, past and present, emphasizing past as well as present. Beteta also told me before I called at the Palace that the President specifically included agrarian compensation and in outlining his intentions in a talk with him he said he would as promptly as possible arrange to begin payments. Beteta said he had not discussed details with the President but had held a long conference with Suarez who was sure a means of making these payments could be evolved.
The presentation of the note was made in a very formal manner. Surrounded by two members of his Cabinet, the Under Secretary of Foreign Relations, his military aides and secretary the President read the note standing. I answered by assuring him that, as our Secretary [Page 740] of State had said in his statement to the press yesterday, it was his very earnest desire, because of the friendly relations existing between the two countries, that a fair and equitable solution of problems should be reached and that his assurance of Mexico’s intention of honoring its obligations of today and its obligations of yesterday would be deeply appreciated.
The President said he did not wish to take up in this conversation any details. Those would be arranged by the other gentlemen present, Suarez, Hay and Beteta.
Upon leaving, I asked Beteta if any publicity was contemplated. He said action would be taken as I wished. I suggested no publicity until I communicated with Washington. He agreed. I have informed no one of my call at the Palace and if the press gets wind of it I will say I called to discuss the situation with the President and will answer no questions.
I fully believe the President and his advisers, after sweating blood for a week and reading and rereading your note of March 27th which you authorized be held in suspense at the Foreign Office for a time, seriously intend to seek means to meet agrarian as well as other obligations. I purpose to press the matter and will report the course of conferences which we have asked begin immediately.
Note follows:
“My Government considers that the attitude adopted by the Government of the United States of North America in the matter of the expropriation of the petroleum companies reaffirms once more the sovereignty of the peoples of this continent which the statesman of the most powerful country of America His Excellency President Roosevelt has so enthusiastically maintained.
By this attitude Mr. Ambassador your President and your people have won the esteem of the people of Mexico.
The Mexican nation has lived in these last few days through moments of trial in which it did not know whether it would have to give rein to its patriotic feelings or to applaud an act of justice of the neighboring country represented by Your Excellency.
Today my country is happy to celebrate without reservations the proof of friendship which it has received from yours and which will be carried in the heart of its people.
Mexico has always wished [to] maintain its prestige, carrying out its obligations but elements which did not understand Mexico placed obstacles in the way of this high and noble purpose. Today a new dawn breaks on its future with the opening to it of the doors of opportunity. You may be sure Mr. Ambassador that Mexico will know how to honor its obligations of today and its obligations of yesterday.
Mr. Ambassador it is a satisfaction for the Mexicans to have the friendship of a people which through its President continues to support the policy of friendship and respect of each nation, a policy which is winning for your country the affection of many peoples of [Page 741] the world. President of the Republic Lazaro Cárdenas, Mexico, D. F., March 31, 1938.”
Please reply by telegraph date and hour for simultaneous release if you wish publicity.