Mexico


462. Telegram 3224 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State

The Embassy reported that on June 10 violence erupted during a student demonstration in Mexico City, during which the Mexican Government sent in “Halcones” to break up the demonstration.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 23–8 MEX. Confidential; Priority. In telegram 3304 from Mexico City, June 16, the Embassy reported that official Mexican statements on the June 10 incident omitted any reference to the “Halcones,” and noted that the “possibility of whitewash now seems even more likely.” (Ibid.)


463. Telegram 3330 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State

The Embassy expressed its concern “over possibility USG may be linked by hostile elements to recent student disturbances, especially the violent June 10 riots, through our training program for up to 20 Mexican police officials.”

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 787, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. II, January 1, 1970–December 31, 1972. Secret; Exdis; Immediate. A stamped notation on the telegram indicates that Part 2 was received in the White House Situation Room at 8:36 a.m. and Part 1 was received at 8:37 a.m. on June 17.


464. Telegram 108794 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Mexico

Responding to the Embassy’s concerns that hostile elements might link the U.S. Government to the “Halcones,” the Department instructed the Embassy to issue a statement to the press only if it appeared silence would be even more damaging.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 787, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. II, January 1, 1970–December 31, 1971. Secret; Exdis; Immediate. Drafted by Petrow; cleared in ARA/PAF; approved by Hurwitch. A stamped notation on the telegram indicates that it was received in the White House Situation Room at 8:46 a.m. on June 18. In a June 8 Intelligence Note RARN–21, INR stated “that the Halcones membership is recruited from university age students who are sons of people friendly with PRI officials enjoying the personal confidence of President Echeverría.” (Ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 23–8 MEX)


465. Telegram 3364 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State.

Chargé Kubisch reported that he had expressed concern to Mexican Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs Gallastegui that the U.S. Government might be linked to the training of the “Halcones” or the June 10 incident.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 787, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. II, January 1, 1970–December 31, 1971. Secret; Exdis; Priority. A stamped notation on the telegram indicates that it was received in the White House Situation Room at 8:47 a.m. on June 18. In telegram 3382 from Mexico City, June 18, the Embassy reported that Gallastegui told Kubisch: “Not to worry—proper measures have been taken.” (Ibid.) In a June 21 Intelligence Information Cable TDCS DB–315/03453–71, CIA reported that President Echeverría knew of the “Halcones,” and that he had “ordered or agreed to the use of the ‘Halcones’ against the student demonstration held on 10 June 1971.” (Ibid.)


466. Telegram 3558 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State

The Embassy reported that Foreign Secretary Rabasa told Ambassador McBride that the Mexican Government had requested training for its police and that he assumed total responsibility for ensuring that there was no harmful publicity aimed at the United States stemming from Mexico’s decision to request such training.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 787, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. II, January 1, 1970–December 31, 1971. Secret; Exdis. A stamped notation on the telegram indicates that it was received in the White House Situation Room at 11:25 a.m. on June 26.


467. Memorandum Prepared by the Government of Mexico

The Government of Mexico proposed a 6-year agreement to deal with the Colorado River salinity issue.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–1 MEX–US. No classification marking. A handwritten note on the first page indicates that Secretary of Foreign Relations Rabasa gave the note to Secretary of State Rogers on June 28. Another handwritten note indicates that Rogers replied on July 24.


468. Letter From Secretary of State Rogers to Secretary of Foreign Relations Rabasa

Secretary of State Rogers informed Foreign Secretary Rabasa that the U.S. Government could not accommodate Mexico’s proposed 6-year agreement for dealing with the Colorado River salinity issue, but offered a counter-proposal.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–1 MEX–US. No classification marking. In telegram 4238 from Mexico City, July 27, the Embassy reported that it had delivered the new proposal to Echeverría and Rabasa, both of whom agreed to carefully study it, but made no commitments. (Ibid.) Rabasa’s proposal is published as Document 467.


469. Telegram 4659 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State

The Embassy transmitted an August 16 letter from President Echeverría to President Nixon, dealing with the recently announced 10 percent surcharge on all U.S. imports. Echeverría told President Nixon that the new tax might have a seriously negative social and economic impact on Mexico.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL MEX–US. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Telegram 4658 from Mexico City, August 17, contained an August 17 message to Nixon, in which Echeverría indicated that a Mexican delegation would be sent to Washington to discuss the effects of the 10 percent surcharge. (Ibid.)


470. Telegram 5063 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State

Ambassador McBride reported that the Mexican Government planned to reject the U.S. proposal on the salinity issue. While it was willing to appoint a legal expert to work toward a solution with a U.S. counterpart, Mexico was disposed to proceed to an international body to adjudicate the solution.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–1 MEX–US. Confidential; Priority; Limdis. In telegram 199862 to Mexico City, November 2, Rogers indicated that the United States concurred with Rabasa’s suggestion for a six-year extension to allow time to negotiate a permanent solution to the salinity issue. (Ibid.)


471. Telegram 6304 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State

The Mexican Government indicated that it wished to extend the standing salinity agreement, Minute 218, for only another year.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–1 MEX–US. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. On ARA and L recommendation, Rogers approved a one-year extension on the salinity agreement. (Memorandum from Crimmins and Stevenson to Rogers, November 15; Ibid.) In telegram 6492 from Mexico City, November 24, the Embassy reported that Rabasa “saw no real possibility of agreement on this point in the absence of mediation or interpretation by some third party.” (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 787, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. II, January 1, 1970–December 31, 1971)


472. Memorandum of Conversation

Assistant Secretary Meyer and Mexican Foreign Secretary Rabasa discussed trade relations, border economics, the bracero program, Mexico’s $343 million trade deficit with the United States, and the 10 percent surcharge on imports.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL MEX–US. Confidential. Drafted by Robert A. Stevenson (ARA/MEX). The meeting between Meyer and Rabasa took place following an earlier meeting on January 19, between Rogers and Rabasa, which covered general U.S.-Mexico relations, a Mexican offer to provide “good offices” in negotiations over the Panama Canal, and the agenda and activities of the Organization of American States. (Ibid.)


473. Telegram 718 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State

During a lunch meeting at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, Foreign Minister Rabasa made an “impassioned pitch” for settlement of salinity issue before the Echeverría-Nixon meeting in June.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–1 MEX–US. Confidential; Limdis. In telegram 31524 to Mexico City, February 24, the Department was “not sanguine re possibility settlement salinity problem by time Echeverría visit unless Rabasa proves much more realistic in understanding U.S. position and practical possibilities open to us.” (Ibid.)


474. Study Prepared by William J. Jorden of the National Security Council Staff

Jorden prepared a background study for Kissinger on the Colorado River salinity issue, which included a list of policy options.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 788, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. III, 1972. Confidential. This study is attached to a March 25, 1972, covering memorandum from Jorden to Kissinger. According to an attached note, this study was “Noted by HAK” on March 28.


475. Memorandum From William J. Jorden of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

In preparation for an April 12 meeting with Foreign Secretary Rabasa, Jorden provided Kissinger with an update on the status of salinity negotiations.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 788, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. III, 1972. Secret; Eyes Only. Sent for action; Outside system. Attached but not published are Tabs A, B, and D. Tab A is an April 7, 1971, memorandum from McBride to Kissinger, Tab B is a chart identifying 4 options for resolving the salinity issue, and Tab D includes 3 letters from Echeverría to Nixon, one dated April 6, the other two undated, and biographical information on Rabasa. Attached at Tab C is a memorandum from Jorden to Kissinger, March 25. It is published as Document 474. Kissinger and Jorden met with Rabasa on April 12, 11:51 a.m.–12:32 p.m. No further record of a conversation has been found. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Papers of Henry A. Kissinger, Box 438, Miscellany, 1968–76, Record of Schedule)


476. Memorandum From the Under Secretary of State (Irwin) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Meyer)

Under Secretary Irwin provided Assistant Secretary Meyer with a summary of U.S. policy priorities in Mexico for the FY 72–73 period. Among the major focal points were the Colorado River salinity issue, bilateral trade differences, narcotics control, illegal immigration, and development assistance.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 1–1 MEX–US. Secret. Attached but not published at Annex A is “Indicative Resource Guidance.” In telegram 2281 from Mexico City, May 3, the Embassy reported that Rabasa listed as the 3 most important issues in United States-Mexican relations: “salinity, trade problems, and situation of Mexicans working illegally in U.S.” (Ibid., POL 7 MEX)


477. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

Kissinger provided background on the salinity issue and suggested a long-range solution that would obviate the need for arbitration.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 788, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. III, 1972. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for action; Outside system. There is no indication of the President’s action. In a memorandum to Kissinger, June 7, Hewitt indicated that the May 6 memorandum was still with the President. (Ibid.)


478. Memorandum for the Record

Kissinger and Foreign Secretary Rabasa discussed the Colorado River salinity issue and illegal immigration. On salinity, Rabasa suggested third party arbitration, to which Kissinger responded “that if we decided we could go the arbitration route, the approach outlined by Rabasa seemed quite fair.” On illegal immigrants, Rabasa suggested that the United States and Mexico issue a joint communiqué announcing the creation of a Joint Commission to study the problem.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 788, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. III. Secret; Sensitive. It was prepared by Jorden. Jorden signed “WJJ” above his typed signature. The meeting took place in Kissinger’s office. The memorandum to which Kissinger referred is published as Document 477.


479. Memorandum of Conversation

In a meeting with Kissinger on the Colorado River salinity issue, Foreign Secretary Rabasa indicated that Mexico would reject any drainage water and “that if something were not done in ‘5 or 6 months’ Mexico would simply stop using ‘bad water.’” Rabasa implied that during his upcoming visit, President Echeverría might use the issue to “turn the Mexican-American community against the Administration.” Kissinger responded “that the Mexicans would be making a serious mistake if they advanced this kind of an ultimatum.”

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 788, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. III, 1972. Secret. The meeting took place in Kissinger’s office. In a July 7 memorandum to Meyer, Stevenson indicated that President Nixon and President Echeverría had agreed to a 6-month interim arrangement regarding salinity on the Colorado River. (Ibid., POL 33–1 MEX–US)


480. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

In anticipation of President Echeverría’s June 15–16 visit, Kissinger provided President Nixon with background on the Colorado River salinity issue, which he characterized as the most important issue for Mexico.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 932, VIP Visits, Mexico: President Echeverría, 15 June 1972 [2 of 3]. Secret. Sent for action. Sent as an add-on to a June 14 briefing memorandum from Kissinger to Nixon. Attached but not published at Tab A are the Talking Points. (Ibid.)


481. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon

Kissinger reported that he and Foreign Secretary Rabasa had come to a general agreement on steps to work toward a definitive solution to the Colorado River salinity issue.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 932, VIP Visits, Mexico: President Echeverría, 15 June 1972 [3 of 3]. Secret. Sent for action. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Presidents Nixon and Echeverría discussed the salinity issue and illegal immigration again in a second conversation on June 16, 11:22 a.m.–12:26 p.m. The conversation is not published. (Ibid., White House Tapes, Conversation No. 737–4, Oval Office)


482. Conversation Among President Nixon, Mexican President Echeverría, and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)

During a 2-hour meeting on bilateral and regional issues, Presidents Nixon and Echeverría discussed the Colorado River salinity issue and the growing problem of illegal immigration.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Conversation No. 735–1, Oval Office. No classification marking. The editors transcribed the portion of the conversation published here, which was part of a larger conversation, specifically for this volume. The portions transcribed are part of a larger conversation, which ran from 10:31 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Alexander Haig and Donald F. Barnes, who acted as an interpreter, were also present at the meeting. In an August 9 telephone conversation, which is not published, Kissinger asked Herbert Brownell to lead a commission to undertake a thorough study on Colorado River salinity and propose a long-term solution to the issue. (Ibid., Henry A. Kissinger Telephone Conversation Transcripts, Chronological File, Box 15)


483. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of State Rogers, Attorney General Mitchell, Secretary of Agriculture Butz, Secretary of Labor Hodgson, and Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Richardson

During meetings with President Nixon in Washington, on June 15 and 16, President Echeverría raised the issue of illegal immigrants from Mexico and their treatment in the United States. In the wake of their discussions, President Nixon “directed that a special group be established within our Government to study this problem and to make recommendations to him.”

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 788, Country Files, Latin America, Mexico, Vol. III, 1972. Confidential. A June 17 Joint Communiqué notes that “With regard to the question of migratory workers, the two Presidents discussed the economic, social, and political factors that produce this problem and agreed it was desirable for each government to undertake immediately a study of this question with a view to finding a mutually satisfactory solution.” (Public Papers: Nixon, 1972, pp. 684–686)


484. Briefing Memorandum From Francesco J. Alberti, International Relations Officer, Office of Mexican Affairs, Bureau of Inter-American Affairs, to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Crimmins)

Alberti updated Crimmins on United States-Mexican relations. Among other issues, he highlighted regular Task Force meetings dealing with the Colorado River salinity issue, the first meeting of an Inter-Departmental Special Study Group on Illegal Immigrants From Mexico, Narcotics Developments, economic and labor issues, and an incident involving body search of Foreign Secretary Rabasa’s niece by U.S. Customs officials.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL MEX–US. Limited Official Use. In telegram 3731 from USUN, October 6, the Mission reported that Rabasa had criticized the U.S. border check program for unduly humiliating and treating Mexicans like animals and asserted that eliminating demand for narcotics was just as important as eliminating the supply. (Ibid., POL 7 MEX) In telegram 3848 from USUN, October 12, the Mission reported that, in an October 6 meeting with Rabasa, Rogers “expressed apologies for unwarranted customs examination of Fonsec Rabasa’s niece.” (Ibid.)


485. Telegram 7204 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State

Ambassador McBride reported that President Echeverría indicated optimism that 1973 would see the settlement of the long-standing salinity problem.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 33–1 MEX–US. Confidential. In telegram 7363 from Mexico City, December 28, the Embassy reported an exchange of notes with Rabasa that extended the temporary salinity agreement until April 30, 1973. (Ibid.) In a memorandum to Nixon, December 29, Johnson forwarded a copy of Herbert Brownell’s report and recommendations for a permanent resolution to the Colorado River salinity issue. Neither is published. (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 789, Country Files, Latin America, Brownell Report on Salinity Problem with Mexico)