Cabot files, lot 56 D 13, “Mexico”
The Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Cabot) to the Ambassador in Mexico (White)
Dear Francis: On my return from a blissful weekend I received your letter of the 14th1 with regard to the wetback problem and I have also talked with General Smith about it.
I have the impression that things in Washington are beginning to turn more favorably to the viewpoint which you have so forcefully expressed in this problem. General Smith, from his personal experience on the border, does not like the idea of using Federal troops to stop the wetback traffic and is only less opposed to National Guard units. Also there seems to be considerable reason to suppose that Brownell, who went out west avowing that drastic action must be taken, is returning convinced that some people out west view it one way but others a different way.
In view of General Smith’s position and since we in ARA have never been happy about the proposed use of troops, we shall do what we can to dissuade Brownell from his intentions when he returns. I believe he is due back today or tomorrow. We shall doubtless have a meeting about it in the very near future.
With every good wish,
Sincerely yours,
- Supra.↩