812.52 Agrarian Commission/154
The Under Secretary of State ( Welles ) to the Mexican Ambassador ( Castillo Nájera )
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I refer to our conversation of June 4, 1940, in which you informed me of the desire of President Cárdenas to reach a prompt agreement for the global settlement of agrarian claims. The Government of the United States shares that desire since it is of the opinion that such a prompt settlement would not only be helpful in itself but would mark a very important step in the settlement of the several major problems confronting the two countries.
On the basis of my understanding of your statements that in connection with the discussion of a global settlement of these claims the Mexican Commissioner, Agrarian Claims Commission, United States and Mexico, will raise no controversial question as to the various categories of these claims, a telegram is today being sent to the American Commissioner authorizing him immediately to present to the Mexican Commissioner lists of the claims. These lists will show claimed values in each case.
It is realized that the task to be accomplished by the Commissioners is no light one, but in as much as many months of study have been given by both Commissioners to the cases, the hope has been expressed to the American Commissioner that it may be possible to reach an agreement by June 25, 1940.
I would appreciate receiving from you, as soon as convenient, an expression of your concurrence in the foregoing.
Believe me, my dear Mr. Ambassador,
Sincerely yours,