711.1211/63: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Mexico (Summerlin)
31. Your 24, April 19, 6 p.m. Identic statement proposed by Mr. Pani acceptable, but subject to the following explanatory statement which need not be published but which should be made in writing to Mr. Pani when you agree on public statement as set forth in your telegram:
“It is not the desire of the Department of State to create any difficulty in respect to the mere use of words, when the endeavor is to find an appropriate and sound basis for the resumption of diplomatic relations. On the other hand this endeavor itself should not be construed as changing the status quo in case there should be failure to reach a mutually satisfactory understanding. The United States therefore must have it understood that in the arrangements for the meeting of the Commissioners, in the use of the expression the Governments of the United States and Mexico’ in the proposed identic public statement and in the proceedings, which are intended to be of the most friendly nature, on the part of the American Commissioners, the United States is not changing its position or giving recognition. The United States will approach the consideration of all the pending questions in the liberal spirit of friendship but it must reserve its position intact until a common understanding is reached. Hence the appointment of Commissioners and their conferences with Mexican Commissioners and exchange of courtesies in Mexico are not to be taken as an according of recognition to the regime now functioning in Mexico.”
Telegraph the date agreed upon for publication so that it may be made simultaneously here and in Mexico.