Messersmith, G.S., Mexico City. To Philip Bonsal, Washington.
Date
1942-07-26
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Criticism of procurement activities in Mexico comes from people who were interested in selfish and improper schemes which Embassy and [Floyd D.] Ransom, who was in charge of procurement for Defense Supplies Corporation, had to stop; many uninformed people on Board of Economic Welfare and in other government agencies willing to believe reports; whole program of collaboration with Mexico could be wrecked if the schemers have their way; Foreign Services have responsibility of keeping U.S. Government informed of Axis activities, espionage, etc. in other American republics, but not the responsibility of eliminating them; that is responsibility of individual country, and most of them are doing so as effectively as U.S.; whenever Embassy brings to attention of Mexican authorities information regarding axis activities, action is taken at once; if protection against sabotage is requested for any American interest, that protection is given; has inquired of American owners and operators of hydroelectric plants and mines in Mexico if they were getting adequate protection by Mexican authorities and the answer was "yes"; they would say at once if they needed further protection; for U.S. Government to take steps in Mexico which Mexican Government is already adquately taking would be out of the question; if anyone criticizes Department for not meeting its obligation in these respects it is done out of ignorance or ill will; information gathered by diplomatic and consular officers on axis activities, espionage, probable sabotage, etc. more accurate than that gathered by Military and Naval Intelligence or FBI; such information is passed on to U.S. Government and to agencies concerned in U.S. and to Government of country to which Foreign Officers are accredited, but any action must be taken by the Government of that country.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.