Messersmith, G.S., Mexico City. To Sumner Welles, Washington.
Date
1942-06-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Received Welles' telegram with instructions to request permission from Mexican Government for U.S. to use existing airfields in Yucatan to protect merchant shipping in Yucatan Channel; called on Foreign Minister [Ezequiel] Padilla immediately and presented request; after conferring with President he gave Mexican answer, which was forwarded to Welles by telegram; answer may be disappointing, but Mexicans have good arguments; they desire so far as possible to defend their own territory; it is essential for morale of Mexican people; they agreed, however to grant use of the airfields for one month; Chief of Staff [Tomás] Sanchez [Hernandez] reported Mexico has about 300 trained aviators and an already agreed upon delivery of aircraft and military equipment, so that with only a little additional training, they should be able to carry on the operation themselves; hopes Welles will explain situation to Army and Navy people at top so that they can issue necessary instructions; both houses of Mexican Congress voted unanimously for declaration of war.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.