Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, American Republics, Volume V

320. Telegram From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State¹

Mexico City, November 26, 1958—5 p.m.

1147. Senator Lyndon B. Johnson majority leader conferred with President-elect Adolpho Lopez Mateos in Acapulco November 23 (Embtel 1155 November 24.)² Though Lopez Mateos asked me to be present, I remained outside conference room as I felt direct contact between Senator and President-elect would be most productive of results desired. Senator gave me oral summary of points covered about an hour later; he will prepare a report to be submitted to Secretary Dulles and Assistant Secretary Rubottom shortly after his return US 30th but meanwhile Department may be interested in receiving following highlights.

1) (US-Mexican Relations: Senator told Lopez Mateos US is inspired to see all nations assert independence of those who would subjugate them in mind and body, holding faith that Americas have new and native philosophy to lead world to liberty without resort other systems for philosophical guidance. He believed Mexico one of least known countries in hemisphere, and he hoped specific programs could correct this lack of sufficient knowledge; he cited formal program recently adopted by Texas) (after amendment state constitution) to make state better known, and to attract visitors who, he hoped, would continue their travels on to Mexico; he suggested a number (possibly a hundred) of young Mexicans be sent to US to address American groups on Mexican culture, travel, etc. Lopez Mateos, who refrained from comment during the first thirty minutes of two and one-half hour interview, said he was in favor this suggestion.

2) Defense: Senator recommended strengthening US–Mexico Joint Defense Board, where he understands liaison has weakened. Lopez Mateos said he would explore what may be trouble.

3) Mexican Culture Leadership: Senator praised Mexico’s outstanding cultural heritage and attractions, mentioning he honeymooned here with his wife just 25 years ago; he proposed Mexico take leadership in calling conference of the Americas in Mexico in 1960, at which leading thinkers and intellectuals of hemisphere (rather than government representatives, as usually done at international conferences) develop constructive proposals to strengthen freedom and independence of western hemisphere as a whole without insisting on emulating ideologies conceived in other nations. Lopez Mateos said he would be glad to consider further this idea, which he had thought of himself previously, and was particularly interested in efforts of young scientists.

4) US–Mexico Cooperation: Senator mentioned problem of screw worm debilitating US cattle, and need for Mexican-US cooperation on program to eliminate it; President-elect agreed, as he did also to urgency for construction Diablo Dam on Rio Grande which he said awaited US action. On Senator’s recommendation for extension of Fulbright Scholarship grants to include Mexico, Lopez Mateos made no comment. No mention of loan by US to Mexico was made by either Senator or President-elect but latter said Mexico has outstanding record for repayment of loans. Senator cited Texas experience on attracting capital from eastern US and raising southern states ratio of national bank deposits in recent decades, as capital acquisition necessary for expansion industry. President-elect did not comment. Lead zinc and other commodity issues were not raised.

Senator Johnson informed me President-elect did not discuss international relations, and that his attitude toward US, particularly American business interests, seemed reserved and somewhat prejudiced, which coincides with similar impression reported to Embassy by Senators Ellender and Smathers, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt and US correspondents here. From references to Mexico’s social programs and economic aspirations, Lopez Mateos seemed to follow basically leftist philosophy, primarily interested in broad needs of Mexican people rather than realistic steps toward their solution. Friendly feeling toward Senator manifested with frequent parallels between his own and Senator’s career in public life pointed out by Lopez Mateos, but no specific points of improving relations were proposed by President-elect.

Senator Johnson informed me he felt considerable patience and understanding will be needed in our initial relations with new President. He suggested early meeting with Secretary Treasury Anderson, but without any economic commitments. (President-elect several times mentioned admiration and friendly attitude and confidence toward Anderson.) In Senator’s judgment such a meeting likely be helpful improving Lopez Mateos views, and an official trip to US as soon as possible would be desirable.

Hill

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.12/11–2658. Confidential; Niact; Limit Distribution. A handwritten note on the source text reads as follows: “Sent along with Secretary to Mexico in his briefing book an attachment to a memo re his call on Lopez Mateos. T.A. Cassilly, S/S, 1/9/59” (Thomas A. Cassilly, Foreign Affairs Officer, Department of State Secretariat).
2. Not printed.