812.628/2–447
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico (Thurston)
No. 1463
Sir: Reference is made to the Embassy’s despatch no. 2730 of February 4, 1947, transmitting a translation of note no. 51347 from the Mexican Government7 containing observations on the draft fishery treaty dated August 20, 1945 between Mexico and the United States, and to other communications on the same subject.
Careful consideration has been given by the Department to the views of the Government of Mexico as contained in the observations, and to the Embassy’s comments thereon transmitted with despatch no. 2950 dated February 21, 1947.8 While there appear, at the present time, to be certain substantial differences between the views of the two Governments with respect to the provisions of the proposed treaty, it is believed that it may be possible to resolve these differences in direct and informal negotiation. Accordingly, if you perceive no objection, you are requested to inform the Government of Mexico that this Government is prepared to enter into informal negotiations on the subject, at as early a date as may be convenient. It is suggested that a note along the following lines be transmitted to the Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs:
“Reference is made to the note of the Ministry of Foreign Relations no. 51347 dated January 27, 1947 transmitting a memorandum of comments on a draft of a proposed Treaty between Mexico and the United States with respect to the Pacific Fisheries of Common Concern and Protocol, and to previous communications on the same subject.
“Careful consideration has been given by the Government of the United States to the comments on the draft treaty, as transmitted with note no. 51347. While there appear, at the present time, to be certain substantial differences between the views of the two Governments with respect to the provisions of the proposed treaty, it is believed that it may be possible to resolve these differences in direct and informal negotiation. Accordingly, the Government of the United States is now prepared to enter into informal negotiations with a view to formulating a draft in terms satisfactory to both our Governments. The Government of the United States of America would appreciate being informed of the earliest date that would be convenient to the Government of Mexico for such negotiations.”
Officers of the Department would prefer that the negotiations take place in Mexico City in order that the representatives of the Mexican Government may have full opportunity for technical advice and consultation [Page 805] with other officials of their Government. The present plan of the Department is that the negotiators on behalf of the United States would not carry full powers to sign an agreement but that the draft which will result from the conference will be in substantially final form, subject only to minor modifications which may be effected by telegraph, so that no further conferences will be required. If, however, the Government of Mexico should indicate a preference for the negotiations to be conducted by representatives with full power to sign, the Department would not interpose objections to such an arrangement.
Officers of the Department are holding consultations with representatives of industry on the West Coast and it is probable that similar consultations wil be held with the Gulf Coast industry prior to the commencement of negotiations. These plans for consultation should not, however, be taken into consideration in such manner as to delay the setting of as early a date as possible for the negotiations.
Very truly yours,
Assistant Secretary