The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-09-07
JOINT CONFERENCE
TO SETTLE BORDER
QUESTION OPENS
First Session Is Given Over
to Exchange of Creden-
tials and Preliminary
Discussions

New London, Conn, September s.
The formal opening today of the dis
cussion of the relations between Mex
leo and the United States by commits
slons appointed by each government
brought an exchange of credentials, a
general talk over the situation and q
recess until Friday to permit Luis Ca
brera. head of the Mexican party, to
attend to personal business in Bos-
ton.
Secretary Lane was host to the party
in the afternoon aboard the presiden-
tial yacht Mayflower AS the yacht
dropped anchor on her return the first
opportunity was given for full naval
honors to be paid the commissioners.
The Mexican flag was hoisted at the
foremost officers in full dress stood
at attention 1T the gangway as the
party left the ship and a minute later
19-gun salute doomed
A brief review of what transpired
at today's meeting was prepared at the
direction Of Secretary Lane and Mr..
Cabrera 1t reads:
STATEMENT ISSUED
This mornings session lasted three
hours. from 10 to J., during which Mr..
Cabrera presided The first matter OF
Importance was the presenting of mu-
tual credentials. In accordance with
the Mexican form of opening confer
enccs, Mr.. Cabrera made a declaration
OF the purpose of the Mexican members
of the commission, saying 1t was their
duty to fulfill in every way possible
the great responsibility cast upon them
by First Chief Carranza, and that they
all stood committed to give their full
powers to bringing to a conclusion this
conference In such manner as would
be most profitable to Mexico and the
United States. After that Mr.. Cabrera
stated that it was the desire of the
Mexican members of the commission
that the fullest information should be
matters involved and that they were
given really TO understand points, be-
ing quite ready. to meet the Americans
in spirit Of utmost frankness.
The members of the commission then
exchanged views in general about the sit
uation in Mexico, and especially OIL The
border. with the view to making a pre-
paratory study of the subject. During the
conference the commissioners reviewed
the growth, control and strength Of the
constitutional government which has be-
come every day stronger during the last
two years and in particular since The
recognition Of the constitutional de facto
government. showing that order was be-
ing established throughout the republic,
railroad service being extended"
MESSAGE TO WILSON
The commissioners sent to Pres:denr
Wilson and to General Carranza the fol-
lowing message:
THE American and Mexican joint COM
mission. in addressing itself to the task
assigned to 1t, desires to send to your ex-
cellency most cordial greetings. and TO
express the hope that its labors will be
productive of results satisfactory to both
countries"
Secretary Lane and his associates are
evincing a keen interest In the aims and
purposes of the constitutionalist party in
Mexico. as set forth by the Mexican dele
gates. The information thus gained. It
is said. may have an important bearing
on the specific agreements which the
commissioners may reach later.
While the subject Of the withdrawal of
the American troops from Mexico and re-
lated matters such as the formulation OF
q protocol to cover future military o2er-
atoms along the border will be disposed
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