862.852/29: Telegram
The Chargé in Mexico ( Boal ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:17 p.m.]
307. My telegram No. 296, October 4, 6 p.m. The French Chargé d’Affaires yesterday received from his Government instructions regarding the question of transfer of belligerent vessels which he says leaves him ample latitude to deal cautiously with the matter in talking with members of the Mexican Government. He says that he saw Beteta this morning and explained to him that any transfer of German vessels to Mexican registry might raise certain problems for the British and French Governments. Beteta replied that he was aware of this; that the Mexican Government was anxious to acquire these vessels (two tankers) and that when they found a way of doing so he would consult with the French Chargé d’Affaires regarding the method in order to obtain the concurrence therein of the British and French Governments.
I also saw Beteta today and in the course of the conversation he told me that while the Mexican Government was taking every precaution regarding belligerent activities in Mexico they realize that as a Government they might not always have full information regarding what was going on. Any information which might reach our Embassy [Page 76] even if it were only a rumor regarding unneutral activities would be of interest to him as it would give him an opportunity to check up to ascertain the facts.
I would appreciate telegraphic instructions as to whether it is desired that any of the information now currently reaching the Embassy should be communicated to Beteta. I believe it would be best except in cases of extreme urgency if it is desired that anything should be communicated that this should be done only after it has been coordinated in Washington with information from other sources. Thus the Department could telegraph Embassy what it wished to have communicated to Beteta as information is received from all sources and coordinated.