Mexico
78. Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rogers) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Rogers reported on the Department’s response to an allegation made by Echeverría that Mexican students protesting against him were directed by the CIA.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, ARA/MEX Files: Lot 77D264, POL 1–2, Basic Policies (Echeverría), 1975. Confidential. Drafted by Dreyfuss on March 25 and cleared by Luers. In telegram 2333 from Mexico City, March 15, the Embassy reported on the March 14 incident in which students at the national university heckled Echeverría, prompting him to charge that they were “manipulated by the CIA.” (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, D750090–0961) In telegram 62479/Tosec 792 to Jerusalem, March 20, the Department informed Kissinger of Echeverría’s charge and noted Ford’s desire for a firm protest. (Ibid., D750096–0554) In telegram 559/Secto 399 from Jerusalem, March 20, Kissinger disapproved a letter to Rabasa that Rogers had proposed and requested the message be presented verbally to the Mexican Ambassador. (Ibid., D750097–0360) In telegram 2507 from Mexico City, March 21, the Embassy reported that an emissary from Echeverría stated the President had only alleged CIA involvement in student protests for domestic political reasons. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Box 5, Mexico—State Department Telegrams—To Secstate—Exdis) In telegram 2960 from Mexico City, April 5, the Embassy reported on an apparent suspicion in official Mexican circles that the U.S. Government was foster-ing subversive activity. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750118–0049)
79. Briefing Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rogers) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: In preparation for a May 8 bilateral meeting between Kissinger and Rabasa, Rogers briefed the Secretary on key issues in U.S.-Mexican relations, including the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties, verbal attacks on the United States by Mexican officials, narcotics control, the treatment of U.S. prisoners in Mexico, and the Trade Act of 1974.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, ARA/MEX Files: Lot 77D264, POL 7 Emilio O. Rabasa, 1975. Confidential. Drafted by Dreyfuss. No record of a Rabasa-Kissinger meeting on May 8 was found. Rabasa was in Washington for an OASGA meeting.
80. Telegram 158798 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Mexico
Summary: As it became increasingly clear that Echeverría was interested in becoming Secretary General of the United Nations, the Department instructed the Embassy to deflect any Mexican inquiries about the U.S. position on a possible successor to Kurt Waldheim.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750232–0765. Confidential; Exdis. Drafted by Dreyfuss and cleared by Rogers and Buffum (IO). In telegram 6867 from Mexico City, August 1, the Embassy provided a lengthy analysis of Echeverría’s background, views, and personality, in the context of his interest in the United Nations Secretary General position. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files on Latin America, Box 5, Mexico—State Department Telegrams—To Secstate—Exdis) At his staff meeting on March 27, Kissinger stated that “we could not possibly support Echeverría,” as he “would be a maniacal menace.” (National Archives, RG 59, Transcripts of Kissinger Staff Meetings, Entry 5177, Lot 78D443, Secretary’s Staff Meeting, March 27, 1975)
81. Telegram 7629 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: Mexican Subsecretary of the Interior Gutiérrez Barrios met with Jova to discuss Echeverría’s concern about increasing U.S. congressional criticism of Mexican foreign policy positions seen as hostile to the United States.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. In telegram 7685 from Mexico City, August 29, the Embassy reported on an August 28 meeting in which Echeverría reiterated to Jova his willingness to meet with U.S. Congressmen if doing so might help to address their concerns about Mexican foreign policy. (Ibid., D750300–0350)
82. Telegram 8137 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: In a meeting with an Embassy officer, Mexican Foreign Secretariat Legal Advisor Barona Lobato outlined the Mexican Government’s objectives on the illegal immigration issue.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, D750321–0072. Limited Official Use. All brackets are in the original except “[‘energetic’]”, added for clarity. In telegram 7770 from Mexico City, September 2, the Embassy reported that Echeverría stated in a September 1 address that the conditions proposed for a bracero agreement with the United States were “incompatible with the interest of Mexico.” (Ibid., D750304–0430) In a September 3 letter to Luers, Estep noted that “it may well be that the closer the Mexicans look at the problem, the more convinced they are that the present situation is the best of all possible worlds and that extensive exchange with the U.S. Commission might cause more problems than it would solve.” (Ibid., ARA/MEX Files: Lot 77D264, V–11–3 Illegal Immigrants, September-October 1975)
83. Telegram 226951/Tosec 130055 From the Department of State to Secretary of State Kissinger in New York
Summary: The Department informed Kissinger that Mexican Treasury Secretary José López Portillo had been selected as the ruling party candidate for the Presidency in Mexico’s 1976 elections, noting that a López Portillo administration would be unlikely to change the dynamics of bilateral relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750329–1141. Confidential; Immediate; Noforn. Drafted by Luers and Keane, cleared by Rogers, Dreyfuss and in substance by Bremer, and approved by Luers. Kissinger was attending the UNGA in New York. In telegram 8352 from Mexico City, September 24, the Embassy noted that López Portillo’s selection was a surprise and that he had adopted a moderate tone in his first comments to reporters as a Presidential candidate. (Ibid., D750333–0007) In telegram 8522 from Mexico City, September 30, the Embassy suggested “a prime consideration” in Echeverría’s choice of López Portillo as his successor had been “maintenance of unity within the political elite,” inasmuch as in-fighting between other leading contenders for the Presidency had reached extreme levels. (Ibid., D750338–0917)
84. Telegram 264529 From the Department of State to the Mission in Geneva
Summary: In a November 4 meeting, Mexican Attorney General Ojeda Paullada responded to U.S. press and congressional criticism of Mexico as a source of illegal narcotics by assuring Jova of his commitment to antinarcotics measures.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750389–0810. Confidential. Drafted and approved by Jeffrey Buczacki in IO/HDC. Jova was in Caracas attending the Department’s annual regional conference on narcotics. In telegrams 9625 and 9913 from Mexico City, November 1 and 11, the Embassy reported that Mexican officials sought to assure the United States of their serious desire to cooperate on the narcotics problem. (Both ibid., D750379–1061, D750392–1008) Kissinger cited these talks as evidence of a high-level Mexican commitment to stemming the flow of illegal drugs in a December 2 letter to Percy, who had criticized Mexico’s performance and called for the Secretary’s personal intervention. (Ibid., P750188–2122)
85. Action Memorandum From the Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs (Walentynowicz) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Noting increased congressional concern about the treatment of U.S. citizens held in Mexican prisons on narcotics-related charges, the Department recommended Kissinger send a letter on the subject to Rabasa.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750188–0564. Confidential. Drafted by Alan Gise in SCA/SCS, and cleared by Rogers and Richardson and in draft by Dreyfuss, Gantz, and Vance. Sent through Eagleburger, who wrote, “HAK: The Mexicans really have been outrageous and efforts at below your level of only marginal utility.” Tab 1—Letter to Foreign Minister Rabasa, Tab 2—Telegram to Ambassador Jova in Mexico City, and Tab 3—Letter from Chairman Fascell, are not attached and were not found. In an October 24 memorandum to Ingersoll, Rogers noted that “the press and Congress have been critical of State Department handling of complaints by Americans imprisoned in Mexico.” (Ibid., ARA/MEX Files, Lot 78D235, PER–Ambassador Joseph John Jova, 1973–1975) In telegram 282563 to Mexico City, December 1, the Department transmitted the text of the letter from Kissinger to Rabasa on the prisoner issue with instructions to deliver the signed original. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, D750416–0872)
86. Telegram 10288 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: Jova informed Rogers of two November 21 conversations with Gutiérrez Barrios, whom Echeverría sent to confer with Jova because the Mexican President felt that bilateral relations had become strained.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750408–0067. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated for information to Brasilia. In an October 24 memorandum to Rogers, Falk explored possible actions to be taken against Mexico due to its opposition to U.S. positions in multilateral forums. (Ibid., ARA/MEX Files: Lot 76D110, 30th UNGA—Korean Issue, 9–12/75) In a November 5 staff meeting, Kissinger stated that while the U.S. response to unfavorable positions adopted by big countries should be weighed in context of the overall relationship with the country in question, he was “beginning to get to the point where we may have to do something about the Mexicans,” inasmuch as their behavior was “getting beyond the line.” When informed by Rogers that a message to that effect had been conveyed to Rabasa, Kissinger added, “I think if it doesn’t stop we have to do something retaliatory.” (Ibid., Transcripts of Kissinger Staff Meetings, Entry 5177, Lot 78D448, Secretary’s Staff Meeting, November 5, 1975) The New York Times article is not further identified.
87. Telegram 10691 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: Jova and Echeverría discussed the treatment of American prisoners in Mexican jails.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750423–0578. Confidential. Telegram 10687 from Mexico City was not found.
88. Telegram 293204/Tosec 240099 From the Department of State to Secretary of State Kissinger in Brussels
Summary: Rogers reported to Kissinger on meetings in Mexico City with Echeverría and Presidential candidate López Portillo.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750431–1050. Confidential; Priority; Exdis. Drafted and approved by Rogers. Kissinger was attending a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Brussels. In telegrams 10776 and 10812 from Mexico City, December 8 and 9, the Embassy reported on the December 6 conversation among Jova, Rogers, and López Portillo. (Ibid., D750426–0913 and D750426–0998)
89. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rogers) and the Acting Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs (Lawrence) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Following press reports of a letter from Kissinger to Rabasa regarding the treatment of U.S. prisoners in Mexico, the Department suggested delivering such a letter would be counterproductive. Rogers and Lawrence recommended a new approach to the subject, in conjunction with future communications on the narcotics problem.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P830111–0555. Confidential; Exdis. Drafted by Dreyfuss and cleared by Vance and Eagleburger, who wrote, “So do I,” next to “Bureau Views” to indicate his preference for the views of ARA, SCA, and S/NM. Kissinger initialed the recommendation and wrote, “Yes, but don’t clear it all over town.” Attached but not published is telegram 295463/Tosec 240252 to Kissinger, December 16, reporting the leak of the letter. In telegram 11319 from Mexico City, December 23, Jova reported on a conversation in which an “interested and sympathetic” Rabasa urged “that under no circumstances should Secretary Kissinger send him a written communication on this subject as this would provoke a counterproductive reaction in Mexico if it leaked.” (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, D750445–0694)
90. Telegram 11441 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: During a December 29 meeting in Acapulco with Mexican Attorney General Ojeda Paullada, Attorney General Levi conveyed President Ford’s concern about the flow of drugs from Mexico to the United States.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750450–0788. Confidential; Immediate; Limdis. Repeated for information to DEA. In telegram 11321 from Mexico City, December 23, the Embassy described this meeting as “a golden opportunity” to “stress our grave concern at the magnitude of the problem.” (Ibid., D750445–0729) In telegram 11322 from Mexico City, December 23, Jova provided an outline for a verbal message from Ford, emphasizing the President’s personal concern and the inevitability of congressional pressure if the Mexican poppy eradication program did not significantly reduce the supply of heroin. (Ibid., D750445–0754) Ford publicly voiced his concern about drug abuse and the flow of narcotics from Mexico in a December 26 statement. (Ibid., ARA/MEX Files: Lot 78D297, SOC 11–5–25 Proposal for Twin Commissions to Combat Drugs, 1976) In telegram 11470 from Mexico City, December 31, the Embassy detailed the conversation between Levi and Ojeda Paullada, including the former’s specific requests for anti-narcotics assistance. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, D750451–1018)
91. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft recommended a warm response from President Ford to Echeverría’s proposal for the establishment of parallel national commissions on the problem of illegal narcotics trafficking.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser Papers, NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, Country Files, Box 4, Mexico—Narcotics Problem (Operation Intercept) 2. Confidential. Sent for action. A note on the memorandum reads: “The President has seen.” Attached but not published is a February 6 letter from Ford to Echeverría welcoming the Mexican proposal. The letter from Echeverría described as Tab B was not attached, but the Embassy transmitted its text in telegram 629 from Mexico City, January 16. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760017–0498) In a January 9 memorandum, Rogers and Ernst expressed their view that the proposal had merit. (Ibid., ARA/MEX Files: Lot 78D297, SOC 11–5–25, Proposal for Twin Commissions to Combat Drugs, 1976) The Department transmitted the February 6 letter from Ford to Echeverría in telegram 31837 to Mexico City, February 9. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, D760049–0563)
92. Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency
Summary: This memorandum discusses the growing narcotics problem in Mexico.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, [text not declassified] Files, Job 85T00353R, Box 1, Folder 25. Secret; [handling restriction not declassified]. Prepared in the Office of Current Intelligence. All brackets appear in the original except those indicating text that remains classified.
93. Telegram 2918 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: Jova discussed a letter on the treatment of U.S. citizens in Mexican prisons with Mexican Foreign Secretary García Robles, who offered assurances of the seriousness with which he viewed the issue and noted that he had requested a staff study of the problem.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760084–0123. Confidential. In telegram 37914 to Mexico City, February 17, the Department transmitted the text of a February 16 letter from Kissinger to García Robles that outlined U.S. concerns about the treatment of American prisoners in Mexican jails. (Ibid., D760059–0483)
94. Telegram 5574 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: In a meeting with Jova, Echeverría voiced suspicions that the United States was orchestrating a campaign to undermine the stability of the peso. Jova assured Echeverría that the U.S. Government was not involved in the placement of press reports then appearing on the Mexican monetary situation.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760165–0754. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. In telegram 5428 from Mexico City, April 28, the Embassy reported on a meeting in which Gutiérrez Barrios requested an appointment with [name not declassified] to convey Mexican concern about pressures on the peso. (Ibid., D760161–0970) In telegram 104363 to Mexico City, April 30, the Department informed the Embassy of a meeting in which Mexican Subsecretary of Foreign Relations Castañeda informed Rogers of his government’s concern over U.S. press reports of an imminent devaluation of the peso. (Ibid., D760166–1102) In telegram 110474 to Mexico City, May 7, the Department reported on a May 1 meeting in which Luers assured Gutiérrez Barrios that the United States was “not behind the press activities.” (Ibid., D760176–0592)
95. Telegram 5998 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy commented on García Robles’s suggestion that the U.S. and Mexican Governments explore a possible agreement that would allow Americans convicted of crimes in Mexico, and Mexicans convicted of crimes in the United States, to serve their sentences in their respective home countries.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760180–0933. Confidential; Limdis. In telegram 5528 from Mexico City, April 29, the Embassy transmitted the Spanish text of García Robles’s March 25 letter to Kissinger. (Ibid., D760166–0336) In telegram 6025 from Mexico City, May 11, Jova reported that García Robles’s proposal for an agreement on the transfer of prisoners was “a personal and semi-official idea on his part” but that the Foreign Secretary recognized “that the prisoner issue is bound to cause trouble between the two governments” and was “proud of having produced an innovative idea as a basis of discussion.” (Ibid., D760182–0535)
96. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: In a meeting with García Robles and other Mexican Foreign Secretariat officials, Kissinger and other Department officials discussed anti-drug efforts, illegal migration, and the possibility of a prisoner transfer agreement.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P820118–1381. Secret; Nodis. Approved by Haley Collums in S on July 20. The conversation took place at the Mexican Foreign Ministry in Mexico City. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. Attached but not published is a list of action items arising from the conversation between Kissinger and García Robles. The article García Robles mentioned was published June 6. (Everett R. Holles, “Bandit Gangs Prey on Mexican Aliens Crossing Border to Seek Work in U.S.,” New York Times, June 6, 1976, p. 26)
97. Telegram 8640 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy summarized early returns from the July 4 Mexican Presidential election, noting that unopposed candidate José López Portillo had a commanding lead.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760260–0969. Confidential. Pouched to all consulates in Mexico City. All brackets are in the original except “[be]”, added for clarity. Telegram 8598 from Mexico City, July 3, is ibid., D760257–1147. In telegram 8965 from Mexico City, July 13, the Embassy transmitted an updated report on the election results, noting that turnout had apparently been relatively high and that opposition candidates had not fared well in congressional contests. (Ibid., D760270–0747)
98. Memorandum From Robert Hormats of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)
Summary: Hormats informed Scowcroft that Mexico’s massive external debt had brought the country to the brink of a major financial crisis.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Outside the System Chronological Files, Box 5, 8/3/76–8/30/76. Top Secret; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent for information.
99. Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Kissinger and the Under Secretary of the Treasury for Monetary Affairs (Yeo)
Summary: Kissinger and Yeo discussed possible responses to the financial crisis that threatened Mexico.
Source: Department of State, FOIA Electronic Reading Room, Kissinger Transcripts, Telecon with Yeo at 9:31 a.m., 8/21/1976. No classification marking.
100. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, Yeo, Rogers, Shlaudeman, and Hormats discussed the financial crisis in Mexico.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Staff for International Economic Affairs Files, 1975–1976, Box 2, Country File, Mexico. Secret; Sensitive. All brackets are in the original except “[sure?]” and “[abrazo?],” added for clarity.
101. Memorandum From Secretary of the Treasury Simon to President Ford
Summary: Simon summarized Mexico’s financial situation for the President, noting that Mexican authorities would likely make drastic changes to their exchange rate policy while pursuing additional credit from the International Monetary Fund.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser Papers, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Box 5, Mexico 4. Top Secret. In telegram 11213 from Mexico City, September 1, the Embassy reported on Echeverría’s August 31 decision to float the peso against the dollar. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760332–0072) In telegram 216408/Tosec 250009 to Kissinger, September 1, the Department reported that Echeverría’s decision to change his exchange rate policy and to make “major domestic, economic and financial adjustments” had resulted from negotiations with the IMF. (Ibid., D760330–1182) An September 14 memorandum from Hormats to Scowcroft noted that the initial reaction to news of the float had been mild but that unease was growing as Mexicans came to realize that austerity measures would likely cause hardship. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Staff for International Economic Affairs, Box 2, Country File, Mexico)
102. Memorandum From Robert Hormats of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)
Summary: Hormats informed Scowcroft of an agreement under which the United States would provide emergency financial assistance to Mexico.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Staff for International Economic Affairs Files, Convenience File, Box 2, Country File, Mexico. Secret. Sent for information. In a September 20 memorandum, Simon informed President Ford of the details of the financial assistance package that would be provided to Mexico. (Ibid., Presidential Country Files for Latin America, Box 5, Mexico—López Portillo Visit 3)
103. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft informed Ford that U.S. and Mexican negotiators had reached an agreement on fishing rights in offshore waters over which Mexico had recently asserted jurisdiction. Scowcroft recommended approval of the agreement.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, Country Files, Box 4, Mexico—Fisheries Agreement 1. Confidential. Sent for action. A note on the memorandum reads: “The President has seen.” Ford initialed his approval of the first recommendation. Tab A is attached but not published. Tab B is not attached and was not found. In telegram 288140 to Mexico City, November 24, the Department authorized Jova to sign the fisheries agreement. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760437–0718)
104. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: President Ford and Mexican President-Elect López Portillo discussed bilateral issues, including drug control, migrant labor, and a possible agreement on the transfer of prisoners.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Latin American Affairs Staff Files, 1974–1977, General Subject Files, Box 15, Visit—September 24, 1976—President-Elect López Portillo of Mexico 3. Secret; Nodis. All brackets are in the original. The meeting was held in the Oval Office. A September 10 biographical note on López Portillo observed that he believed “that closer bilateral relations with the United States are essential to the success of his economic programs.” (Ibid., Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Box 5, Mexico—López Portillo Visit 1) In a September 22 memorandum, INR described López Portillo as wanting “U.S. understanding and help, and he will likely be friendly, frank, and forthcoming.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P770114–0521) Briefing papers on the López Portillo visit sent by Scowcroft to Ford noted that López Portillo viewed the visit “as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations which he may fear have been bruised by the style and some of the international policies of outgoing President Echeverría.” (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, 1974–1977, Box 5, Mexico—López Portillo Visit 3)
105. Briefing Paper Prepared in the Department of State
Summary: The Department summarized the provisions of a treaty that would allow U.S. and Mexican citizens convicted of crimes in the other country to serve their sentences in prisons in their home country.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, ARA/MEX Files: Lot 78D297, Briefing Papers, U.S./Mexico. No classification marking. Drafted by Detlev Vagts in L on November 22 and cleared by Leigh. In telegram 14962 from Mexico City, November 26, the Embassy reported that Jova and García Robles signed the treaty on November 25. (Ibid., Central Foreign Policy File, D760439–0553)
106. National Intelligence Estimate 81–1–76
Summary: Analysts assessed the challenges facing Jose López Portillo as he took office as President of Mexico, concluding that he would be a more cooperative neighbor than his predecessor had been.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Council Files, Job 91R00884R, Box 6, Folder 5. Secret; [handling restriction not declassified]. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text omitted by the editors. The Central Intelligence Agency; the intelligence organizations of the Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury; and the National Security Agency participated in the preparation of this estimate. The Director of Central Intelligence submitted this estimate with the concurrence of all members of the USIB with the exception of the Deputy Assistant Administrator for National Security, Energy Research and Development, who abstained.
107. Telegram 15605 From the Embassy in Mexico to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on early indications that López Portillo would move away from Echeverría’s policy of actively pursuing a leadership role in the Third World and that he would adopt instead a foreign policy more narrowly focused on Mexico’s immediate needs.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760457–1038. Confidential. Sent by pouch to all U.S. consulates in Mexico. In telegram 15168 from Mexico City, December 1, the Embassy summarized López Portillo’s inaugural speech. (Ibid., D760445–0895)