Editorial Note

A record of the conversation between Presidents Ruiz Cortines and Eisenhower at Falcón Dam was made by Louis R. Blanchard, the American Consul at Tijuana, Baja California, and the official United States interpreter at the dedication ceremonies. This record was incorporated into a letter forwarded to Mr. Belton on October 24, 1953. The two participants discussed few matters of substance at the meeting; none of the outstanding issues between the two countries was mentioned. According to Blanchard’s account the meeting was cordial, relaxed, and friendly, and the dedication addresses of both Presidents were warmly received by the assembled public. (Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file) President Eisenhower’s speech at the dedication ceremonies is printed in the Department of State Bulletin, November 2, 1953, pages 579–580.