611.1231/489: Airgram

The Ambassador in Mexico ( Messersmith ) to the Secretary of State

A–774. I have to refer to the Department’s telegram 1525 of November 16, 11 a.m. [p.m.] referring to instruction 1807 of October [Page 523] 21 [12]42 to this Embassy transmitting information with respect to the Trade Agreement proposals handed to the Mexican Embassy in Washington on October 8.

I discussed the substance of the Department’s telegram under reference with Undersecretary Torres Bodet today who informs me that the Mexican Government is quite understanding of our reasons for desiring to expedite the signature of the Trade Agreement. It is equally desirous of concluding the agreement as soon as possible. He said the Mexican answer had been held up because of the difficulties in getting together the Economic Council of Ministers which has to pass on this matter. He called attention to the fact that the Foreign Minister of Guatemala43 and President of Ecuador44 are now making official visits to Mexico City and that in view of the obligations which the Ministers have to attend various ceremonies in this connection and at the same time carry on pressing duties he doubts whether they can have a meeting of the Council before the beginning of next week. He assured me however that the Council would meet early next week and that we would have the answer shortly thereafter.

I gathered the impression from the Undersecretary very definitely that the Mexican Government desires to collaborate with us in an early conclusion of the agreement.

I shall take up the matter with him again in the early days of next week if I do not get any answer from him.

Messersmith
  1. Instruction No. 1807 not printed.
  2. Carlos Salazar.
  3. Carlos Arroyo del Río.