811.504 Mexico/8–244: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico ( Messersmith )
1457. ReDepins 5633, April 29, 194418 and your and Bursley’s letters, May 3 and 4.19 After over-all review of war production matters yesterday War Mobilization Director Byrnes informed the Department formally last night that the shortage of unskilled forge, foundry, tire and other heavy workers is extremely critical unless additional workers can be secured immediately.
You are, therefore, requested to present this matter to the highest Mexican authorities at the earliest possible moment with a view to securing up to 25,000 unskilled workers. They will have guarantees under April 29, 1943 agreement, wages are generally higher than for railroad workers, and adequate housing will be provided as under agreement.
Please explain to the Mexican authorities that this Government is greatly appreciative of their cooperation and assistance in the matter of securing Mexican labor in the past and that this appeal would not be made at this time unless it was vital to the United Nations war effort.
Please emphasize as strongly as possible on the Mexican authorities the importance of this matter and inform the Department at the earliest possible moment of results.