711.00111 Unlawful Shipment/Fritz Bieler, et al/16: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Mexico (Boal)

6. Sensational reports appearing in the press state that the Mexican Government has reversed its decision in regard to the transshipment to Spain of airplanes of American origin and that it will give clearance for such transshipment to any planes which reach Mexico before the signature by the President of the Joint Resolution of Congress which prohibits the exportation of arms direct or indirect to Spain.

In view of the friendly and ample assurances given you by the Mexican President January 2 that no transshipment to Spain of arms of American origin would be permitted, I assume that the press reports referred to must be unfounded. Should there be any foundation for these reports, you are instructed to inform the Mexican President that the President and I have relied upon the assurances which he gave you and that this Government would be deeply concerned if these assurances, for which we publicly expressed our grateful appreciation, should be withdrawn.

You may point out that the Mar Cantdbrico which sailed from New York in haste in order to clear before the law was enacted which would have prevented its departure, carried with it only eight planes and one airplane engine. The President signed at 12:30 today the Joint Resolution prohibiting the exportation of arms direct or indirect to Spain.32 The effect of this Joint Resolution will be to prevent the shipment of the other planes and engines for which Cuse33 had obtained a license and to prevent all shipments under the licenses issued to Dineley. You may point out further that the transshipment from Mexico to Spain of any of the American planes recently exported to Mexico would constitute a violation by the exporters of one or more of the laws already in effect before they were exported from this country.

An export license for the 6 Condors was granted at the request of the Mexican Embassy on the understanding that they would remain in Mexico. Three American planes which you know are now in Mexico were illegally exported without an export license.

The common interest of the United States and Mexico requires in the interest of friendly relations that they should as good neighbors cooperate with each other in the enforcement of their respective laws governing the international traffic in arms. If there is foundation for the press reports mentioned, you are instructed to make every proper effort to bring about such cooperation in this case, and to that end it [Page 568] is suggested that you make arrangements to see the Mexican President without delay.

Telegraph in full.

Moore
  1. 50 Stat. 3.
  2. Robert Cuse, President of Vimalert Co., Ltd.