811.504 Mexico/8–2144
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Mexico (Bursley)
Sir: Reference is made to the Embassy’s despatch no. 19595 of August 21, 1944, in regard to memorandum no. 31108 of August 16, 1944 from the Mexican Foreign Office,37 which contained a request regarding Mexican workers found to be ill of tuberculosis while in the United States. The note requested that instructions be given to the end that such workers would receive medical assistance in the United States.
Copies of the despatch under reference and the attached memorandum from the Mexican Foreign Office were forwarded to the War Food Administration and to the War Manpower Commission with a request that the Department be informed of the nature of the reply which each agency believed should be made to the Mexican Foreign Office. Copies of the replies received from these two agencies are enclosed for your information.38
[Page 1331]The replies indicate that the physical examinations given these workers at the time they are selected for employment are not infallible but do serve to reduce to a minimum the number of cases of tuberculosis. It is further indicated that every effort is made to conserve the health of these workers while in the United States, both for the welfare of the individual and because it is to the interest of the employer that these men be maintained in the best of health so that they can effectively perform the services for which they have been employed.
In the few cases of tuberculosis which have occurred, individuals have received medical care, including hospitalization for such a period as may be necessary to assure that they make their return to Mexico in comfort and without danger to their health. They are then returned to their homes across the border with the idea that a return home would be beneficial and contribute to recovery.
You are authorized, in your discretion, to reply to the Mexican note along the lines indicated above. Please furnish the Department, for the information of the War Food Administration and the War Manpower Commission, the nature of any communication you address to the Mexican Foreign Office on this subject.
Very truly yours,