177-10002-10069
2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992
JFK Assassination System
Date:
8/26/201
AGENCY:
LBJ
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FROM:
Identification Form
Agency Information
177-10002-10069
NSF, COUNTRY FILE, MEXICO, LOPEZ MATEOS VISIT, BOX 61
STATE
DEAN RUSK
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
TITLE:
Document Information
DATE:
PAGES:
02/18/1964
5
SUBJECTS:
NEED SUBJECT ASSIGNED
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CLASSIFICATION:
RESTRICTIONS:
CURRENT STATUS:
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COMMENTS:
MEMORANDUM
Unclassified
1B; 4
Redact
04/21/1998
DOC. #9
v9.1
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ADDRESS OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS TO
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON
SECRET
Copen
Mahin
дай
Bundy
q
Orig to Dungan
999
FEB 18 1964
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject:
Your Meeting with President Lopez Mateos
We do not expect to make any major political decisions
but want to give new emphasis to the friendly relations
which exist between Mexico and the United States. These
relations are now at an all-time high. Mexico felt it had
a real friend in President Kennedy. They feel the same
relationship exists with you but want to be reassured.
warm Texas handshake and abrazo when you greet Lopez Mateos
at Los Angeles would symbolize the continuance of that
relationship.
#7
A
We want to stress the identity of interests of our two
countries and our ability to work out in the 'spirit of
El Chamizal" any problems that may arise between us.
Despite the informal atmosphere of the visit, we
should give scrupulous attention to Mexico's extreme
sensitivity on sovereign equality and Mexico's strong
desire to avoid any appearance of subservience to the
United States.
Lopez Mateos speaks for the Mexican Government and
no important decision is made without his approval. He
has followed an "independent" foreign policy but knows
that good relations with us, especially in the economic
sphere, are essential to his country. At times his foreign
policy has been too independent--for example on Cuba and in
commercial and cultural relations with Communist China.
But
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But when fundamental issues are at stake we have usually
found him understanding and willing to be helpful--controlling
travel of Castro agents, non-recognition of Red China, offer-
ing help on Panama.
Lopez Mateos has chosen his successor, Gustavo DIAZ
Ordaz, who will take office in December 1964 after elections
in July. Power is therefore drifting toward Diaz Ordaz.
Enclosed is a paper on points which it is suggested
you raise at the meeting, and those which it is believed
Lopez Mateos will raise.
Enclosure:
Paper on points to be
raised at the meeting
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DocId: 32205112 Page 3
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7s) Dean Ruale
Dean Rusk
SECRET
MAJOR POINTS OF INTEREST TO THE UNITED STATES
1. General Information and Hemisphere Relations
We desire to continue close working relations with
Mexico both within and outside the OAS and the UN.
We hope Mexico will continue to use its key political
and geographic position to help control Castro/Communism.
Mexico is very sensitive about publicizing its cooperation
and we have carefully avoided any public comment on Mexican
control measures.
Mexico has offered its assistance on Panama. Mexico
is not aware of the role of President Orlich of Costa Rica
in mediation efforts and we do not desire that this come to
Mexico's attention. We welcome Mexico's assistance within
an OAS context.
ཚ
2. Red China
The coming visit of De Gaulle to Mexico and Brazil in
March has prompted speculation that these two countries
are about to recognize Red China. Lopez Mateos has given
us secret assurances, through CIA channels, that he has
no intention of recognizing Red China. We do not desire
to raise this issue, but if Lopez Mateos raises it, we
should let him know we are aware of his assurances.
3. Mexico's Role in the Alliance for Progress
Mexico's participation in the Alliance is essential
to its success. Mexico has played a leading role in IA-ECOSOC
and has named the Director General of the Bank of Mexico as
its representative to CIAP. It has cooperated with us in
providing extensive training facilities for Latin American
technicians. We want to encourage Mexico to make a greater
contribution
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contribution. Mexico is making renewed efforts to promote
private enterprise and we also want to encourage Mexico
along this line. We should continue to cooperate with
Mexico in maintaining financial stability and promoting
economic development.
4.
Disputed Tracts on Rio Grande
There remain several tracts on the Rio Grande over
which sovereignty is in dispute. We desire to have the
International Boundary and Water Commmission study these
problems and recommend a solution.
5. Control of Narcotics
We
Mexico and the United States are cooperating in
controlling the importation of narcotics and dangerous
drugs into the United States. We should strengthen this
cooperation in the mutual interest of both countries.
hope therefore that Mexico will agree to periodic meetings
of the highest law enforcement officers of the two countries.
6.
Desalinization Plant at Tijuana
An appraisal report by Interior shows that this is
the most economical way to supply water to Tijuana.
We
are prepared to go ahead with a feasibility study if
Mexico desires and will share the cost.
MAJOR POINTS LOPEZ MATEOS IS EXPECTED TO RAISE
1. Salinity Problem on Lower Colorado
The Mexican President wants a reaffirmation of Presi-
dent Kennedy's commitment "to reach a permanent and effect-
ive solution at the earliest possible time" of the salinity
problem. We can agree but should avoid any commitment on
timing. If Lopez Mateos raises the related problem of the
groundwater
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groundwater recovery program at Yuma, we agree that the
Boundary Commission should study the problem. Farmers
in the lower Rio Grande Valley are seriously concerned
about saline drainage discharged into the river by Mexico
and want the Boundary Commission to achieve an early
solution to this problem.
2.
Bracero Program
One
The Mexican Government is privately seriously
disturbed about the termination of this program. Con-
gressional opposition to it is strong and we cannot commit
ourselves to continue the program. We are looking into the
problem to see if anything can be done to help Mexico.
possibility is an expanded community development program
in Mexico through private channels (P.L.480 foodstuffs
through U. S. voluntary agencies) if Mexico is interested.
3. Mexico's Concern about U. S. Trade Policies
Mexico is concerned about United States restrictions
or threatened restrictions on textiles, lead, zinc and
meat and other products and United States cotton policies
which it claims hurt Mexican cotton exports to the world
market. We recognize that we are natural markets for each
other. We desire to expand trade, promote competition and
develop markets. We want to maintain or expand the present
level of access to each other's market but we would not be
able to guarantee Mexico its present share of our market in
each commodity or a share in increased consumption.
4. Chamizal Settlement
Lopez Mateos wants to be recorded in history as the
man who returned the Mexican flag to the Chamizal. He
wants a ceremony at the Presidential level at El Paso-Ciudad
Juarez before December 1964 to symbolize the Chamizal settle-
ment. We should only agree to consult later in the year on
an appropriate ceremony and a possible date.
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