Mexican Recognition

The first active official step toward Mexican recognition since 1921, when Secretary of State Hughes suggested that a convention should be signed covering the major points of disagreement, was taken by the joint action of the United States and Mexican Governments in convening a meeting of an American-Mexican commission in Mexico City.

As reported last week, the United States members of the commission are Charles B. Warren, eminent lawyer and former Ambassador to Japan, and Judge John Barton Payne, head of the American Red Cross. The Mexican nominees are Ramon Ross, close personal friend of President Obregon, and Fernando Gonzales Rea, prominent Mexican lawyer.

The object of the commission is to reach a mutual understanding between the two countries. The center of the trouble pivots on Article 27 of the 1917 Constitution, in which was affirmed the title of the Mexican people to mineral and other subsoil deposits. A stipulation was also inserted whereby the development of mineral fuel was reserved exclusively to Mexicans and those foreigners who waived the right of redress through diplomatic channels to their respective governments. On May 27, 1921, Secretary Hughes, in his note to the Mexican Government, confirmed the right of Mexico to safeguard her interests, but asked that Article 27 should not be interpreted retroactively. This was conceded by President Obregon in September, 1922. It was then felt that the intent of the article as applied under Mexican law was nothing short of confiscation. The commission, which will meet at Mexico City early in this month, will strive to reach a signed agreement with the Mexican Government to the effect that American owned oil lands will not be confiscated under the stipulations of Article 27. Another matter to be settled is the claims of United States citizens against Mexico for loss of life and property under former Governments. These claims are reported to exceed the sum of $240,000,000.

A spirit of optimism reigns at Washington, according to reports, where the belief is current in official quarters that the United States will soon accord recognition to Mexico, withheld since the fall of President Carranza in May, 1920.