812.77/1951
The Commissioner of the Interstate Commerce Commission (Johnson)6 to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have just received your letter of March 18,7 your File MA.8 I wish to assure you at once that the Interstate Commerce Commission will cooperate to the greatest possible extent in the Mexican railroad car situation. The margin of safety in United States transportation, however, is small and has been so over a long period. Our latitude is to some extent restricted. This makes it necessary to watch the Mexican situation closely.
Their long promised improvement is sporadic, often and suddenly getting into reverse. The number of freight cars in Mexico apparently should be about 3,000, not to exceed 3,500. Due to the dilatory tactics in Mexico, it hovers around 5,000 and threatens to go above it.
I am advised that a reorganization of the industry in Mexico, promised some time ago, has just been effected. Perhaps that will give some firmness to the situation which it has heretofore lacked.
I thank you very much for your letter and again assure you that we will be as cooperative as possible in the circumstances.
Very cordially yours,