Evening star., 1921-10-17
MEXICO WITHOUT
ARMS DELEGATION
0bregon Will Not Send Rep.
resentatives Here-Dis-
CuSSeS Issues.
By the Associated Press.

MEXICO CITY, October 15.-Presi-
dent Obregon, in a conference with
American newspaper correspondents
today, made four important declara-
tions, substantially as follows: ;
That Mexico will have no official
representatives at the impending
Washington conference.
That the question of the recognition
Of Mexico by the United States re-
mains in status quo.'
That the Mexican federal govern
ment will support the Puebla state
authorities, even with troops If neces-
sary, to maintain order which has
been threatened as a result Of pro-
tests against tax laws in that state.
That negotiations relative to the
payment of Mexico's foreign debt are
in a preliminary stage.
Denies Danger at Puebla.
President Obregon discussed for
more than an hour variety of sub
jects pertaining, for the most part, to
internal affairs. In alluding to the
Puebla situation, he asserted 1t pos
sessed no elements of danger other
than the ordinary appeal Of hungry
people who are suffering discomforts
due to commercial paralysis in that
city.
Gen. Maycotte, federal military COM
mander at Puebla, who has been in
Mexico City comforting with Presi-
dent Obregon regarding the situation
there, was to leave here tonight. But.
according to President Obregon, he
has received hands off" orders, un-
less stern necessity should demand
however. that unless demonstrations
cease and business reopens the fed
eral forces will be employed to re-
store tranquility.
Mr. Lannon'S Address.
Commenting on the address of
Thomas w. Lamont at the American
Chamber of Commerce luncheon yes
terday, President Obregon declared 1t
was well animated and conceived in
good faith"
The president admitted that he had
offered his personal services as medi
ator. and they had been accepted, in
the controversy between the Aguila
Oil Company and the government of
the state of Vera Cruz. This generally
was understood to mean that the
Vera Cruz officials would be told def
nitely the limits Of their jurisdictions.
Obregon Denies Union Plans.
Asked il the presence in Mexico
City recently Of numerous Latin
American delegations for the centen-
nial celebration had resulted in dis
cussions looking toward a formal fed
GRAFTON Of Spanish-speaking countries
Of the western hemisphere. President
Obregon answered in the negative.
but added: Doubtless the men,
bers of the missions carried away
with them good impression Of Mex
leo. and were convinced its condi-
tion is far better than some reports
picture"
There was no basis established, he
declared, for a rapprochement rela-
tive to Latin American unity or the
reported sentiment for the annexation
of portions of Central America to
Mexico.
The mixed claims commission for
the settlement Of claims against Mex
leo is only in the preliminary stage,
the president declared. When asked
what countries had accepted his re-
cent invitation to name members for
that commission. he said this was
matter for the foreign relations de-
partment, but he understood negotia-
tions of a primary nature had been
started with several countries.
Scouts Amity Treaty.
President Obregon maintained his
treaty. of amity and commerce. as a
preliminary to the act of recognition.
was impossible. To the suggestion
put by one American correspondent
might be made q vehicle for recogni-
ton, he asserted that he had spoken
his word on recognition matters and
it was useless to discuss hypothet-
ical cases.
Each day, however" he added. re
moves a few more pretexts for with
holding recognition. and / am sure
the principal points upon which the
United States insists as necessary to
recognition have been settled. These
are the non-retroactivity of claims
under article 81 of the constitution
and the foreign debt;
The greatest problem facing the
Mexican government, in the opinion
the masses, but he asserted that an
educational plan is we'll formulated
and is being carried out as exemph-
fed by the recent appointment OF
Jose Vas Concelos to the new cabinet
post of minister of public education.
Dover Net Omcial Agent. .
Elmer Dover of Ell Paso. who has
been linked with the delivery of COM
munications which have passed be-
dent Harding, was described by, Presi-
dent Obregon merely as his personal
adviser; he was not an official of the
Mexican government.
The president declared that Nal.
Gen. George w. Goethals had come
discuss with the Mexican authorities
numerous engineering projects, en-
bracing the railroad, harbor and road
improvements.
The chief executive was in a most
affable mood. He jokingly compli-
mented himself on having survived
the many banquets which he was
Obliged to attend during the centen-
NAL celebration.