812.659/50: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico (Messersmith)
Washington, May 10, 1943—10
a.m.
744. Your despatch 9463, April 22, 1943 and Department’s A–1590, April 26, 1943.36
Department has discussed with other interested Government agencies and American Cyanamid the proposal and contracts. Your opinion is requested on the merits of the following points:
- 1.
- It is asserted by Cyanamid that officials of the Mexican Government resent the supposed delay occasioned by “interference” of the American Government in matters which are considered primarily to affect Mexican interests. It has been suggested that the Mexicans believe that the Department is primarily interested in preventing a violation of the Mexican monopoly laws. Please indicate whether this is the Mexican attitude, and, if so, on what this attitude is based. You may deem it appropriate to indicate that we will not attempt either to interpret or enforce Mexican monopoly laws.
- 2.
- It has been suggested by Cyanamid that the Mexicans desire immediate action, and that they will either sign the proposed contracts within the next week or 10 days or abandon entirely their nationalization program for the drug and chemical industry. Please indicate specifically your opinion of the necessary time schedule on the American Cyanamid proposal and whether the Mexicans are likely to abandon all attempts at nationalization should the proposal either be turned down or be delayed more than a week or two. Colonel Pope has stated that he was requested to return for final signing of papers on May 15, 1943.
- 3.
- The Alien Property Custodian37 has offered to assist in a developmental program for the Mexican drug and chemical industry. In the absence of prior consultation with the Mexicans, the Custodian’s program is necessarily in a developmental stage. The Custodian believes, however, that a plan might be worked out involving participation not only by companies under his control but also by other American drug and chemical companies, whose aid might be valuable. Should the [Page 499] Mexican Government wish to avail itself of the services of the Custodian, the Custodian would be willing to send representatives to Mexico. Unless you perceive some objection, this offer on the part of the Custodian should be transmitted to the Mexicans. It should be clearly indicated that the Department is interested only in extending all possible cooperation to the Mexican Government, for the purpose of procuring the best possible program.
It should be indicated that transmittal of this offer is not to be construed as disapproval of the Cyanamid plans, and will not delay consideration of them here. Please indicate the reaction of the Mexican Government to the Custodian’s proposal.
A prompt telegraphic reply is requested.
Hull