Messersmith, G.S., Mexico City. To Sumner Welles, Washington.
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University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
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Inquires as to status of patrol operations over Yucatan Channell; permission for U.S. to use airfields in Yucatan was requested of the Mexican Government as if need was urgent, but although permission was granted, apparently nothing has been done; if reason for delay is that submarine menace has abated, Mexican Government should be so informed; sees Foreign Minister and Undersecretary daily and in every conversation they raise question of Yucatan operation; they seem to have impression American military not anxious to proceed with operation because Mexicans have indicated desire to carry it on themselves later; Mexicans are in war now and do not want to be merely spectators; essential for their morale that they take active part; Foreign Minister suggested possibility joint cooperation of Mexico, Cuba, and U.S. in coastal patrol; recent newsreel in Mexico picture houses showed U.S. patrol operations based on Guatemala, with such captions as "America protects her weaker neighbors," and no mention of Guatemala cooperation; if U.S. wants cooperation of other American republics this is no way to get it.