Messersmith, G.S., Mexico City. To Cordell Hull, Washington.
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University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
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Glad Hull back in Washington and well after rest; arrived Mexico middle of February; situation developing satisfactorily; has been much occupied by major work and in addition has had administrative and physical problems; both Chancery and Embassy residence undergoing repairs; despite inconveniences, has established friendly and cordial contact with President [Avila Camacho], Foreign Minister [Ezequiel] Padilla, and most of the important members of the Government; no doubt about Mexican Government's decision to collaborate with U.S.; but large part of population apathetic with respect to war and not too friendly to U.S., and ex-President [Lazaro] Cárdenas making nuisance of self by trying to preserve status quo; present Government about best Mexico has ever had; Avila Camacho understanding, calm, well-informed, and personally honest; Padilla returned to Mexico from Washington yesterday; relationship between him and President good; important that projects agreed upon in principle get underway as soon as possible; first project should be improvement of Mexican railway and road facilities; held Consular Conference of officers in Mexico last week; proved most helpful; Wayne [Chatfield] Taylor [Undersecretary of Commerce] came down; took him to call on President; talk was principally of trade agreements under negotiation; President seemed more interested in long-range aspects than in immediate benefits; was much disturbed over recent Executive Order with respect to Board of Economic Warfare and effect it would have on work of State Department and U.S. Foreign Relations; was sure President had not been informed of full implications; was happy to learn President has given specific directives that State Department and missions abroad remain in control of foreign relations and all approaches to other governments; enclosing letter on subject from Dean [Carl William] Ackerman of Columbia School of Journalism.