Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 1, Documents on Mexico; Central America; and the Caribbean, 1973–1976

13. Telegram Tohak 9 From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹

Washington, February 21, 1974.

The President has returned the package on the Mexico City Conference with the following note: “It would be very obvious that we were not tackling the tough questions if the subject of expropriation were not discussed frankly and fully—pointing out how irresponsible actions by them dry up the major source of potential investment—private enterprise.” At the conclusion of your memorandum to him he added another note: “This is good—but pretty flimsy stuff unless means are discussed for new incentives for a massive infusion of private capital from the U.S.”

As you can see, this is pretty much the line he had earlier expressed in the Cabinet meeting.

Warm regards.

1. Summary: Scowcroft transmitted Nixon’s comments on Kissinger’s memorandum regarding the Mexico City meeting with Latin American Foreign Ministers, highlighting the President’s concern regarding investment climate in the region.

   Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Scowcroft Daily Work Files, Box 6, 2/19–28/74. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Printed from the draft copy initialed by Scowcroft.