740.0011 European War 1939/31593²⁄₇

The Ambassador in Mexico (Messersmith) to the Chief of the Division of the American Republics (Bonsal)

Dear Philip: On July 6th, after a long conversation with Dr. Padilla, I wrote to Mr. Welles with regard to the possibility of Mexican armed forces participating in the actual conflict. I did not hear from Mr. Welles and, as Dr. Padilla made reference to this matter again and asked whether I had had a reply to my exploratory letter to Mr. Welles, I wrote to Mr. Welles again on August 514 in which I said that Dr. Padilla had raised the question of the possibility of a Mexican air squadron, or squadrons, participating on the actual fighting fronts with our forces. My letters to Mr. Welles of July 6 and August 5 are self-explanatory, and if you have not seen them, I am sure you will wish to read them.

I have a confidential letter from Mr. Welles, dated August 14,14 stating that the question raised in my letters of August 5 and July 6 has been taken up with our military people at home and that he has been informed that upon the receipt of a formal proposal from the Mexican Government attentive consideration will be given to the military and strategic factors involved in such participation.

I took opportunity yesterday during a conversation with Dr. Padilla to go into this matter with him, and I told him that if the Mexican Government would make some formal proposal it would be possible for our military and naval authorities to consider it. I said [Page 409] that he would appreciate that our people would need something rather concrete to consider before they would be able to really give an answer. The Minister said that he would discuss this matter with the President and let me know the result of the conversation.

This letter is merely to keep you informed of the status of this matter.

With all good wishes [etc.]

G. S. Messersmith
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