New-York tribune., 1920-01-30
Says Fletcher
Quit as Protest
On u. S. Policy
Former Consul General
Chamberlain Asks Am.
bassador's Letter of Res.
ignation Be Made Public
Hints at Hidden Facts
Old Ennaity Against Ameri-
cans Declared Strong; Sc
cret of Carranza's sStrength

Failure by the United States to
adopt definite policy with regard to
.hs Mexican situation was declared
Yesterday by George Agnew Chamber
lain. until last August American Con-
sui General in Mexico City, to be re-
sponsible for the res signation of Henry
p Fletcher as ambassador from tn is
country to the Carranza government.
Mr.. Chamberlain, whose home is at
n West Fiftieth Street, was for more
than two years associated with Mr..
terday that what the former ambassa
dor was compelled to say before a
congressional committee last July in
Washington did not compare with
what ne had reported to the State De
partment concerning conditions in
Mexico.
"Why did they not give out his let
ter of resignation, with the reasons
that impelled him to act? ?" the former
consul general asked. 1T seems to me
that the American public is entitled
10 know why an ambassador, the dean
in our diplomatic service, should throw
away his career just at the apex Of
his powers without any idea of the
future and where he is to engage him
self in business.
Would Give Truth to Public
"Mr. Fletcher served the government
in various positions from the bottom
10 the top of the diplomatic ladder.
Political influences never we're brought
to bear to disturb him in his career
and his record at the State Department
i speak isedly-has no superior.
Yet after a two years struggle In
Mexico. he drops out of the service
md nobody is informed why. I believe
he people should be told the whole
ruth Of this matter"
Carranza, Mr. Chamberlain said. Is
holding his high office solely because
Of his hatred Of Americans All stories
that the old enmity for "grineoes" had
disappeared and that Mexicans had
come to love Americans were branded
as ridiculous.
There is absolutely no truth in any
such stories" he continued. "The fact
Is that the old enmit~ IS as bitter as
ever it was. In fact, Carranza stands
absolutely on this ancient hatred. He
mas fostered it until he has made it
the foundation OF his power. Because
OF this he is to-day the biggest figure
IN Latin America. His whole internal
policy is down with Americans and
he has made this his pedestal. Take
away race hatred and Carranza will
fall"
Peace Still Remote
Then peace is still remote?" Mr.
Chamberlain was asked
Yes" he replied, land it will be un-
til the United States adopts and en-
forces definite policy with regard to
Mexico. | know Mr.. File tcher told the
government this and pleaded vainly for
some clearly defined policy. l say this,
Ior | was intimately associated with
~ MIN during the two years we were in
tne great war am convinced this
is back Of his quitting his job. Both
OF US quit. l resigned last August"
In discussing the project for group
OF Americans to visit Mexico next
spring as the guests of the American
Chamber OF Commerce in Mexico, Mr.
Chamberlain said that tour would
prove nothing. He pointed out that
IN order to make q good impression
Carranza would have the railroad from
Laredo, Texas, to Mexico City care
tully guarded Snd nothing would hap
pen to the Americans. American bust
ness men will face risks to buy in
Mexico. Mr.. Cham berlain said, because
even after they pay bribes to officials
they can ship and sell the commodities
at substantial profit.
Must Pay Twelve Bribes on One Car
There is one comm odity," he con-
t'nued, that I won't name, for you
would pinch the company, on every
ear OF which the dealer must pay twelve
pnoes to as many government officials
before ne can get the car to the bor-
Ger. Yet there is profit, for the un-
settled conditions in Mexico keep out
competition. Only the daring take the
chances"
-, As for the English in Mexico, Mr..
chamberlain said they were in exactly
sne same boat as Americans.
~ mr.. Fletcher was in New York
Wednesday. He left here for his home
IN pennsylvania late in the day
~, AS an authority on Mexican affairs,
Ar. Chamberlain is among the fore
most Il. M IN this country. He is the author
Q, Not All the Kings Horses"
story dealing exhaustively with condi-
''ons in Mexico.