811.2312/151
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War ( Stimson )
My Dear Mr. Secretary: For your convenient information there is enclosed a copy of the Department’s press release of April 1, 194147 [Page 409] relating to the agreement signed that day between the United States and Mexico48 to facilitate the reciprocal transit of military aircraft. Copies of the agreement have already been informally furnished the War and Navy Departments for their strictly confidential information. It will be recalled that as a result of conversations between officers of the War and Navy Departments and Mexican Army and Navy officers, decision was reached in principle for the agreement in question. Thereafter, the Mexican Embassy presented to this Department a draft of agreement which, with modifications, became the agreement just signed. Officers of the War Department and the Navy Department were consulted by this Department in connection with the draft and changes made therein.
The Department of State views the agreement as an important step in the development of friendship, cooperation and defense collaboration between the two countries, and it is further believed that the reaching of the agreement reflects most favorably upon the good neighbor policy, as well as upon the tact and skill of the Army and Navy officials of the two countries who made this agreement possible.
In view of the fact that an agreement of this character presents a number of difficult and delicate Mexican domestic political problems and also in the interest of the harmonious working and continuance of the agreement, I venture to recommend most strongly that your Department omit no step to prevent any untoward incidents arising from the use of the facilities referred to in the agreement. For instance, it is felt that at least in the first few weeks of operations under the convention, every effort should be made to hold to a minimum the number of flights over and landings in Mexico. It is particularly important that the officers and men participating in the flights be very tactful in their dealings with Mexican officials and civilians with whom they may come in contact. Likewise, I am confident that any Mexican flights entering the United States under the agreement will receive the most courteous treatment and the benefit of all facilities which this country may properly extend.
It might be desirable to have the first flight under the agreement, after its ratification, made into the United States by Mexican aircraft in order that it may be demonstrated to the Mexican public that the agreement works both ways. At the time of such a flight, if arranged, the War or Navy Department may see fit to arrange appropriate ceremonies of a modest character symbolical of the friendship, and brotherhood in defense, of the military forces of the two countries.
A similar communication has been addressed to the Secretary of the Navy.
Sincerely yours,