Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-10-30
-COM'R.'S LETTER
Continued from Page One)

to a deep and lasting realization
what Mexico owes to the idealism of
President Wilson so nobly and pa
tiently exhibited in the unhappy
years during which our oppressed
millions fought against the injustices
which weighed them down for cen
turtles. 1t is equally true that they
have thrilled to the world vision Of
the president. his tremendous ideal
of universal fraternity.
Mexico today is not merely plan
ming a future of happiness and justice
for all within her borders.
Out of our new strength we are
willing and eage- to play our proper
part in the creation of a new and
better order that will lift ancient
burdens from the back of humanity.
~ "A first task. of course is firm and
enduring friendship between Mexico
and the United States. Not only are
we neighbors. but every other con-
sideratiOn points to the wisdom of
an understanding that goes beyond
mere treaties and sinks it roots into
the heart of each nation. We have
the same political institutions the
same aspirations, the same ideals,
the same goals.
Such a friendship is fast forming.
The governors of today. New Mexico
and Arizona-your border states
have already stretched out the hand
of friendship voluntarily telegraphing
the President as to their faith in the
stability. honesty and sincerity of my
government.
Our business is to set this friend
ship on foundations so firm that it
cannot be shaken by the attack of re-
action. Permit me, therefore. to deal
in detail with certain ISLANDERS that
have not only prejudiced the people
Of the United States. but which have
aroused much bitterness in my own
country.
Mexico cannot but feel deeply
agrieved over the charge that she in
tends or has--ever intended to disavow
her obligations President De 10 Huer-
Ia as well as President ELECT Obre-
gon have on repeated occasions. pub
liely declared that Mexico will respect
aiirightful claims duly, proved as such,
submitting herself to the recognized
principles of International law.
tThe Mexican government is pre-
pared to establish joint arbitration
commission to pass upon and adjudi-
cate the claims presented by foreigners
on account of damages occasioned dur
ing the revolution. Any claim that
cannot be adjusted by means of direct
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the Mexican government will be sub
mitted to the consideration of this
commission, whose decisions will be
deemed final and binding
Mexico has likewise held that. in
order to pRce international relations
on a solid foundation the existence
OF permanent machinery of arbitra-
ton is essential for the. purpose of
deciding any difference. AS regards
the United States specifically Mexico
has already expressed her intention
in Article XXI of the Treaty of Guada-
iupe Hidalgo and is prepared to en-
large and strengthen this machinery
Our plan is to establish a national
program based on order and iustice
1t is our firm belief that the peonle
Of North America are just as faith
'ful to their own high ideals. Hence
nothing could better shield the dignity
OF both republics. as nothing could be
more efficacious for the countenance
Of friendly relations, that the opera
ton Of commission of this nature
organized in accordance with recos-
nized international practices.
This policy should be made pey-
manent and the Mexican government
desires to cooperate insofar as may be
needful towards this end
/ Another cause of deep national
resentment for the Mexican govern
ment is the oft repeated assertion
that our laws are of a retroactive
and confiscatory nature and that our
national program ID based on a
policy of confiscation. This is en-
tirely groundless. Not one square
yard of land has been confiscated in
Mexico. not single legitimate right
of property has been annulled. Nor
do we intend to deviate from this
policy. President De In Huerta ana
President-eie Obregon have also
made public declarations to the effect
that Article XVII of the Mexican
Federal Constitution is not. and must
not be interpreted as retroactive or
violative of valid property rights.
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