Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.2011-06-152011-06-151944-05-261593-00http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/7558Has just returned from two weeks vacation at San Jose de Purua, first vacation since leaving Department in 1940; refers Hawkins to May 1 letter to Secretary on consideration of U.S. withdrawal from Joint Mexican-U.S. Commission on Economic Cooperation; thinks withdrawal would be great mistake; some of Messersmith's remarks regarding preferential treatment for Mexico may have been misunderstood; agrees in principle of equality of treatment, but there are practical considerations in U.S.-Mexican relationships which cannot be ignored; Mexico will develop industrially and agriculturally and if U.S. doesn't cooperate other countries will; Mexico and Canada closest neighbors of U.S. and it is essential that U.S. maintain friendly relations with them; wishes Hawkins could come down for a few weeks and see for himself the situation in Mexico; Donald Nelson [of War Production Board] scheduled to come middle of June; thinks his visit to look at some industrial projects that are under way will show Mexicans that U.S. is interested in their development.Typed Letter Copy, 5 p.en-USMessersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.OtherMSS 109