Norwich bulletin., 1920-12-01

washington, NOV. SV.--A IorHlal PI0- posal from Secretary Colby that commis- sionsrs be appointed by the United States and Mexico to draft treaty up- on which can be based resumption of fun diplomatic relations between the two governments has been taken to Mexico City by Robert V. Pesqueira, Mexican confdentiri agent in Washington.
 This was disclosed tonight when the state department made public MT. Col by's answer to MT. Pesqueirs's recent letter urging recognition by the United States of the new government of Mexico. It was handed 10 the Mexican agent be- fore his departure Thanksgiving day 10 attend the inauguration Of President elect Obrsgon of Mexico, December l.
 Referring To his conversations with MT. PesuueIra. Secretary Colby in his letter, said that they served to leave no reason able doubt. "of the high and enlightened purposes that actuate the present gov ernment of Mexico"
 As to Article 2T of the Mexican con- stltution. long a stumbling block to com niete understanding between the two gov ernments. Mir. Colby said the statement In Mr Pesquelra's letter that 1t lis not and must not be interpreted as retroac- tive or violative of valid property rights should "allay the fears of those who have tcuuired valid titles" in Mexico, adding:
 t.r calculated 10 correct this misunder- standing"
 "It only remains" Mfr. Colby continu- cd. to give these understandings Il form which is usual in dealing between friendly states and I have the honor to suErest that commissioners be promptly designated by both Mexico and the United States to formulate a treaty. embodying the agreements which have been reached as the result of your successful mission"
 The text of Secretary Colby's letter, dated November 25, follows:
 The conversations which we had since the receipt of your notable letter of Oc- toher es. am very pleased to say, have been entirely in keeping with the spirit and tenor of the expressions it contain a. and have quite confirmed the agree able snticiaations it aroused.
 T think l may say. as one of the re- srilts of these discussions, that no doubt can reasonably be entertained of the high and enlightened purposes that actuate the present government of Mexico and I an fully persuaded that you realize the friendship and disinterestedness te- wards your country which animate this government
 VI, have not required the, assur- ances SO unquzlihedly given in your let ter. of Mexico's regard for the discharge of her obligations. and of her respect for the principles of international law. Your su=gestion of a joint arbitration commission to adiudicate the claims pre- sented by citizens of other countries, Tor dsNaCes sustained as a result of dis orders In your country. and the further proposal to enlarge and strengthen ex- istinE treaty provisions for the arbitra- tlon of all controversies, now pending or which may arise between our respec- tive nationals. bring convincing sup port of your declarations If that were needed
 -You refer at length to the misunder- standing that has arisen. and which has widely prevailed. as to the true scope and effect of Article 27 of the Mexican federal constitution That such mis- understanding has existed. and has ex- .rcised an unfortunate restraint upon the Impulses of friendly governments, in their desire to cooperate with the Mex lean people In the recovery of the full measure Of their material strength and prosperity cannot be denied But l can conceive of nothing better calculated to correct this misunderstanding and to aiiay the fears of those who have ac- quired valid titles, or who have made substantial investments in conformity with Mexican law. and in reliance upon Is protection. than the statements of your letter referring tc the declarations of President De La Huerta and Presi- dent-elect Obregon to the effect of Ar ticie 27 Is not and must not be inter- preted as retroactive or violative of valid property rights
 The interest of other nations in this subject should not. and I am convinced it is not attributed to any desire to in- ducncc or interfere with Mexico in the adoption and pursuit of any policy with reEard to It's land and resources, which expresses It's aspirations and satisfies its people. Indeed. I may remark that there -is wide sympathy for the ap- parent desire of your country to inaug- urate a policy which shall protect its great resources against waste, dispersal rother improvident treatment The freedom to do this. which no one can dis pute nor even criticize. is in no sense compromised by the due respect for le. Eary vested interests which you so fully avow. with a convincing sincerity which is beyond question.
 -It only remains to give these misun- dcrstandings a form which is usual ir dealing between friendly states. and have the honor to suggest, as our fruit. fuI discussions draw to a close, that com. nlissioners be promptly designated by both Mexico and the United States tc formulate treaty, embodying tht agreements which have been reached a. the result of your successful mission."-