811.504 Mexico/11–1347: Airgram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Mexico
A–846. Reference is made to the Embassy’s telegram no. 1264 of November 13, 1947, regarding conversations to be held in El Paso, Texas, between representatives of this Government and the Government of Mexico in regard to future contracting of Mexican agricultural laborers. This will confirm the Department’s position on the lettered points in the telegram as it was given to Mr. Forrest K. Geerken of the Embassy by telephone by Mr. William G. MacLean of the Division of Mexican Affairs on November 14:
- A.
- This Government wishes to reserve the right to discuss the contracting of Mexican laborers without the limitations suggested in order to be fully informed as to the Mexican attitude regarding Texas, and in order that representatives of both Governments may be free to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement on as comprehensive a basis as possible.
- B.
- The Mexican proposal for measures to prevent the movement of Mexican workers from one state to another without the consent of the workers and previous authorization of the Mexican Government is acceptable to this Government.
- C.
- The adaptation of the work contract under the April 26, 1943, agreement is presently under study as a possible practical basis for future contracting. These studies are not completed, and therefore this [Page 833] Government does not wish to commit itself on this point prior to the discussions.
The representatives of this Government will be prepared to discuss the other items mentioned in the Embassy’s telegram. In regard to the desire of the Oficial Mayor of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to have an initial discussion on November 17, this will confirm that Mr. MacLean expects to arrive in El Paso on the evening of November 18 and will get in touch with the Oficial Mayor early on November 19.