Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The American Republics, Volume XI

812.00/6–1946

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico ( Thurston )

confidential
No. 50

Washington , July 8, 1946.

Sir: Receipt is acknowledged of your despatch no. 18 of June 19, 1946,¹² regarding the conversation you had with Dr. Ezequiel Padilla and his request that you speak to President Avila Camacho, expressing the interest of the United States in free and fair elections in Mexico.

The Department approves of your reply to Dr. Padilla to the effect that you could not take the action he requested. However, if in private conversation the President should make reference to his remarks regarding the election, you are authorized, in your discretion, to express to him this Government’s continuing interest and hope that the authority of all governments be derived from the will of the majority of the people through regularly and freely expressed fair and democratic processes.

Very truly yours,

For the Acting Secretary of State:

Spruille Braden

[Miguel Alemán was elected President of Mexico on July 7 for a 6-year period beginning December 1, 1946.]

12. Not printed.