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
Supplementing earlier letters, this date, further clarifying Mexican Government's reason for limiting U.S. use of Yucatan airfields to one month; many Mexicans believe Mexican declaration of war due to pressure from U.S., although top Mexican officials know this is not the case; some even believe the rumor spread over the country that U.S., not Germany, had sunk Mexican tanker to force Mexico into war; such beliefs do not increase love of many Mexicans for U.S.; to them, Americans are still the "gringos"; it was reported that President said declaration of war was necessary to prevent occupation of Mexico by U.S. armed forces; is certain President was either misunderstood or deliberately misquoted; top officials of Government are for full collaboration with U.S., but they must consider feelings of Mexican people; Mexican opinion not yet prepared to see U.S. armed forces on Mexican territory; recently U.S. Army issued instructions to Pan American Airways that all radio operators, code clerks, and airfield managers, who in Compaña Mexicana are now Mexicans, must be replaced by Americans; such orders must be rescinded for they show lack of confidence in Mexican personnel, most of whom are highly skilled; convinced top Army and Navy officials should give definite directives all down the line to prevent arbitrary acts and pressures.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.