811.504/2043: Telegram

The Ambassador in Mexico (Messersmith) to the Secretary of State

254. Reference Embassy’s telegram No. 246 of March 15, 4 p.m.2 Recruiting of farm labor was resumed this morning with some 4,000 applicants.

Hewes arrived and made courtesy calls at the Ministry of Labor and the Foreign Office. At the former Ministry there has been a complete turnover in personnel with the appointment of a new Minister and Hewes gathered the impression from the officials whom he met that there is considerable opposition within the Ministry to the method which has so far been employed in the selection of transportation and handling of workers on arrival in the United States.

At the Foreign Office the Acting Chief of the Diplomatic Section stated to Mr. Hewes and an officer of the Embassy that the President. [Page 540] has given strict instructions to members of the Government to collaborate fully with the United States in efforts to supply as many workers as possible under the terms of the August 4 agreement.

Discussions with representatives of the interested Mexican Government agencies will start Friday evening. The Embassy will be represented and will follow this matter closely.

Messersmith
  1. Not printed.