Messersmith, G.S., Mexico City. To Cordell Hull, Washington.
Date
1942-05-20
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Was in Foreign Ministry the day Mexican Government received news of the sinking of the tanker, Potrero del Llano, presumably by German submarine and was informed of sinking by Undersecretary, [Jaime] Torres Bodet; [Ezequiel] Padilla addressed energetic note to Axis powers through Swedish Chargé in Mexico; powerful group of German merchants in Mexico City conducting whispering campaign against Messersmith because they fear his "dangerously growing influence in high circles of Mexican Government"; they say Messersmith was sent to Mexico by U.S. Government for definite purpose of bringing Mexico into war; has discussed war freely with top Mexican officials, but has not tried to persuade them to enter war actively; believes many of Government leaders in favor of declaration of war, but masses of people still apathetic; sinking of tanker may change attitude.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.