Attached is background information on the President of Mexico and on
United States-Mexican relations which you may find helpful in your
conversations with President Ruiz
Cortines on October 19. I believe it would be of value if
you would emphasize your views as to the serious nature of the Communist
menace. You might also stress the determination of the United States,
while in the vanguard of the fight against Communism, to respect the
rights and integrity of other nations and to maintain its own liberal
tradition. If you touch upon any specific problems of Mexican-United
States relations you might emphasize United States desire to work
harmoniously with Mexico toward solutions compatible with the national
interests of both countries and productive of the greatest possible
benefits to each.
Since the Mexicans have indicated that they are definitely not prepared
to enter into a military pact (page 2) at the present time, it would be
inadvisable to raise this question.
[Enclosure]
Background Information for Meeting with
President of Mexico October 19, 1953
1. President Adolfo
Ruiz Cortines
may be addressed as President Ruiz
Cortines (Roo-ées Cor-téen-ace) or President
Ruiz; not as President
Cortines.
He is 60 years old; usually quiet and reserved; almost sombre in
appearance; married with children; not an active church member. He
is believed to speak some English and has visited the United States
at least once, at Los Angeles in 1948. At the time of your visit to
Mexico in August 1946, he was Governor of Veracruz, and you did not
meet him.
Ruiz Cortines is a politician
by profession, having held political or Governmental positions
almost continuously since 1913. His most important posts before
becoming President were Governor of the State of Veracruz,
1944–1948, and Secretary of Government (the highest ranking position
in the Mexican Cabinet), 1948–1951. Elected President in July, 1952,
he assumed office December 1, 1952.
He has a personal record of honesty, integrity, and conservatism. His
public record is marked by economy and caution.
2. Mexican-United States relations are stable
and friendly. We know what to expect from Mexico and understand her
limitations. The same is true of Mexico’s attitude toward the United
States, although it is traditionally colored by vague suspicion of
our motives. This arises from past incidents, the peculiar course of
Mexican history, the fear by the weak of the strong, and the
activities of groups interested in fomenting discord. Mexican
Foreign Minister Padilla
Nervo recently made it abundantly clear that the
Mexican attitude toward us is currently affected by doubt as to
continuation of our own liberal tradition, and by concern that we
may mistake domestic reforms among our neighbors for Communism.
Many problems exist between the two countries, mostly stemming from
our geographic juxtaposition. All are probably susceptible of
settlement without undue concessions by either side, although lack
of auspicious circumstances at any given moment may prolong their
final disposition. None of the problems is of sufficient dimension
that the national security of either country is seriously menaced
now, but prompt solution of some is clearly in our national
interest.
3. The Communist danger is not fully
appreciated in Mexico because of her tradition of extreme
liberalism. A few prominent Mexicans are Communist advocates. Often
no sharp distinction is made between these individuals and the more
numerous and important proponents of
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the typically Mexican revolution which, while
definitely leftist and socialistic in tendency, has no Marxian basis
and no Soviet connection. The governing and only effective political
party in Mexico today is essentially capitalistic and orthodox in
outlook, although committed to improving the economic condition of
the rural masses through land reform and socialized agriculture.
In spite of an apparent lack of concern with Communism within the
country, (where it has not won a significant number of followers)
and of a non-committal attitude toward the efforts of the United
States in the East–West struggle, there is little doubt that in time
of crisis Mexico would be on our side.
Important problems of current interest include:
4. A Military Assistance Pact was suggested to
Mexico in 1952, but it soon became apparent that this was not
feasible from the Mexican domestic political viewpoint. The United
States has now readjusted its assistance pact program to exclude
Mexico and has found that many of the objectives of a pact are being
met through the secret proceedings of the Joint Mexican-United
States Defense Commission. The Mexican Government and public
continue to exhibit nervousness that the United States will try to
force a pact upon them. We take every opportunity to assure Mexico
that, while we would still welcome a pact, we respect her decision
and do not intend to raise the issue again.
5. Uranium Exploration in Mexico might uncover
deposits which could constitute an important source of supply for
the United States. The Mexican Government has assumed complete
control of uranium, although exploration is limited and no desposits
have been proven. The United States has tried to encourage Mexican
exploration activity by offering assistance and purchase contracts.
Mexico has not responded, probably due to nationalistic and domestic
political considerations, reluctance to export unprocessed raw
materials, and unwillingness to become involved in an atomic weapon
race. We continue to emphasize that action in this field could
benefit Mexico’s own economy and security2
6. Mexican Migrant Laborers have proven
essential to important segments of United States agriculture. Higher
wages in this country and, currently, a Mexican economic recession,
stimulate the northward flow of workers. Agreements between the two
Governments to regulate this flow have been largely ineffective due
to lack of willingness of many employers and workers to conform to
agreement procedures. Efforts are now under way to improve
immigration law enforcement and to negotiate a new agreement (the
current one expires December 31,
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1953) designed to attract more complete
support from workers and employers.
7. Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Mexico is being
combatted under a program administered jointly by a Mexican-United
States Commission. It has not made satisfactory progress, for the
disease, although closely restricted, continues slowly to spread. A
firm and consistent administration of the procedures agreed upon is
essential. Secretary Benson
has assigned Walter Thurston, former Ambassador
to Mexico, as his personal representative to administer the United
States portion of the program. It is hoped that President Ruiz Cortines will take full
advantage of Mr. Thurston’s abilities and
experience in solving this problem to the mutual advantage of our
two countries.3
8. Shrimp boats from the United States are
often seized by Mexico in or near her waters, which she claims
extend nine miles from shore, They are accused of illegal fishing,
although at least some are innocent. These seizures create serious
looses for United States shrimping interests and motivate many
public repercussions harmful to United States-Mexican friendship.
The United States intends to propose a treaty which, while not
recognizing Mexico’s claims on territorial waters, will regulate
access, to them by United States shrimpers and eliminate this
problem as a source of friction.4
9. Waters of the Rio Grande below Fort Quitman
are divided between Mexico and the United States by the Water Treaty
of 1944. Falcón Dam now makes additional water available for
irrigation, but enforcement of diversion rights remains a problem
Recent moves by Texas authorities may provide adequate controls over
United States users, some of whom take Mexican waters in times of
scarcity. If not, this enforcement could become a Federal
obligation.
Mexico is urging fulfillment of a commitment to construct the small
Anzalduas Diversion Dam below Falcón. Performance awaits local
government action to meet a Congressional stipulation that necessary
United States lands must be acquired by donation. One county is now
undertaking practically the entire donation, and construction can
probably be started soon.
The Water Treaty calls for a dam on the Rio Grande above Laredo. Its
location, long a subject of public discussion, must be determined on
engineering grounds to provide maximum water utilization. The
Mexicans have agreed to proceed with intensified study of sites, and
the Boundary and Water Commission is expediting numerous steps
antecedent to requesting appropriations for construction.5
