Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-04-05
Mexico Still on Probation

N ESPITE the fact that Mexico has been
II reasonably tranquil since General Alva
Obregon became President. the Harding adj
ministration continues the "watchful wait
ing policy inauguratcd by its predecessor.
The good impression that President Obregon
has made on citizens OF the United States
who have direct business dealings with the
sister republic is a factor in favor of closer
official relations that is bound to make itself
increasingly felt as time goes on. IL present
tranquil conditions continue President
Ohregon. in n further bid to increase out
side confidence in his administration, has
recently stated that the present regime in
Mexico lis following a limo of conduct in
absolute accord with the prccepts of morals
ana OF law, and has initiated this policy
with series OF acts which have taken place
within the past few months and which will
not be Interrupted until its noble purposes
have been fulfilled"
This statement has the ring OF sincerity
and it is supported by many acts which
evince a desire To conform To established
principles of international obligation The
administration apparently is doing its utmost
to conserve peace and good order and 20
maintain harmonious relations with neigh
boring peoples. Still the Washington adj
ministration withholdS recognition of the
existing government and, to that extent,
makes Mexcos problem more difficult
There have been numerous unofficial confer
ences, bnt these have served TO no more than
prepare the way for future official relations
What is the obstacle that is staying recogn-
tiOa?
Secretary Fall, until recently member
OF the Senate and OF the Senate subcommit-
tee on Mexican affairs has written to the
National Association for the Protection OF
American Rights in Mexico explaining tho
cause Of this delay The. Senate committee
he says, insists upon an agreement from
Mexico as TO satisfaction for damages for
Americans Incurred in recent years. and a
general protocol as to issues to be settled
before the two nations may again assume
friendly diplomatic relations. These stipula-
lions, IL the main. are supported by the
State Department
broadly. these stipulate the appointment
Of joint committee for the ascertainment
Of damages incurred by both Americans in
Mexico and Mcxicans in this country; that
nc American shall hereafter he deprived of
property rights legally acquired: that
pledges shall! be given for the future protec-
ton Of american citizens and their property
rights; that Americans shall not be forbid
den TO preach or teach in Mexico; that dis
PUT" pouHuaT'ts snail be sett!ed; that
formal treaty coNcriag these provisions
shall h. executed after recognition; that
financial aid shall be extended to Mexico by
americans 10 enable il 20 refund lis in
debtedness and rehabi!itate its railroads and
industries.
Th"sS stipulat:ons appear to be entirely
reasonable and, according to Secretary Fall,
have been a5scnted 10 in principle by rep
icSentati'es OF the Mexican government, in
informal conferences, hut Mexican diplomacy
mas always been OF the manana kind and,
given time, il is believed written assent to
such preliminary agreement will be obtained
when recognition will quickly follow.