812.24/3703: Airgram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico (Messersmith)
A–3090. From FEA, Bureau of Areas, Pan American Branch, for Cunningham. It is difficult for FEA and the Department to understand the complete reversal of Mr. Primo Villa Michel’s point of view, as reported in Despatch 14306 of November 19 and interpreted in last paragraph thereof and the Embassy’s A–2823 of December 9, 11:00 a.m.
It should be made very clear to Mr. Primo Villa Michel that the roll back we wish to institute in no way should be construed as a criticism of the Mexican Government or any of its dependencies. It is only a conscientious effort on the part of FEA and the Department to recognize that during these times changes have to be made quickly and occasionally drastically if we are to serve within the existing limitations the best interests of Mexico and the United States.
[Page 261]Mr. Primo Villa Michel should readily appreciate that with manufacture in this country geared to war time operations, it is impossible for us to process adequately export recommendations for fourth quarter which are only “completed” outside of this country 20 days before the quarter expires. Under normal circumstances we might be able to work along under such a handicap, but not now if Mexico is really desirous of getting full benefit of the present limited estimates of supply and its share of those commodities not so restricted.
For the confidential information of yourself and the Embassy, Export Recommendations are not being processed in good season by Mexico, so FEA has been subjected to tremendous pressure from American exporters who rightly feel their export trade lines to Mexico are being seriously jeopardized.
This same pressure during the fourth quarter 1943 made necessary the issuance of Current Export Bulletin No. 132 and the approval of export licenses for automotive parts, radio receiving tubes, lamp bulbs, fountain pens and mechanical pencils, and farm machinery without accompanying Export Recommendations. A similar procedure might be necessary during the first quarter 1944 if such commodities were retained under decentralization, in order to maintain even a minimum flow of these exports to Mexico.
In view of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that nothing is to be gained by delaying the institution of the proposed roll back.
Under the circumstances, it would be appreciated if you will have the roll back proposed in Department’s airmail instruction 4768 of November 15 favorably reconsidered by the Embassy and the Mexican authorities so it may be put into effect January 1, 1944. If necessary, you may assure Mr. Primo Villa Michel FEA will make every effort to give license applications accompanied by Export Recommendations for materials included in the roll back preferred attention over those unaccompanied for first quarter 1944.
Please telegraph reply.