New-York tribune., 1921-06-08

free to adopt any policy which she
pieases with respect TO her public
lands, but she is not free to destroy
Without compensation valid titles
which have been obtained by American
citizens under Mexican laws. A con-
fiscatory policy strikes not only at the
interests OF particular individuals but
at the foundation of international in
,tercourse. for it is only on the basis of
the security of property validly pos
.sessed under the laws existing at the
time of its acquisition that commercial
transactions between the peoples of
two countries and the conduct of activ-
aties in helpful cooperation are pos
ssible.
"This question should not be con-
fused with any matter of personality
Tor of the recognition of any particular
administration. Whenever Mexico is
ready to give assurances that she will
perform her fundamental obligation in
ithe protection both of persons and of
rights of property validly acquired
there will be no obstacles to the most
advantageous relations between the
two peoples.
"This question is vital because Of
the provisions inserted in the Mexican
sconstitution promulgated in 1917. If
feet retroactively, the properties of
American citizens will be confscated
ION great scale. This would constitute
IAN international wrong of the gravest
character and this government could
A.ot submit to its accomplishment.
Demands Definite Pledges
! eff it be said that this wrong is not
intended, and that the constitution of
Mexico of 1917 will not be construed
to permit, or enforced, so as to effect
sconfiscation, then it is important that
this should be made clear by guaran-
ties in proper form. The provisions of
sthe constitution and the executive de-
crees which have been formulated with
sconfiscatory purposes make it obviously
i,ecessary that the purposes of Mexico
should be definitely set forth.
Accordingly this government has
proposed treaty of amity and COM
nierce with Mexico, in which Mexico
will agree to safeguard the rights of
property which attached before the
$constitution of 1917 was promulgated.
IThe question, it will be observed, is
mot one of a particular administration,
ibut of the agreement of the nation in
proper form, which has become neces-
tsary as an international matter, be-
cause OF the provisions of it's domestic
Legislation. If Mexico does not con-
template a confscatory policy, the gov
Iernment OF the United States can con-
eeive of no possible objection to the
Treaty.
"The proposed treaty also contains
the conventional stipulation as to COM
merce and reciprocal rights in both
countries. 1t also provides for the con-
clusion of convention for the settle
ment of claims for losses of life and
property, which of course means the
prompt establishment of suitable
claims commission, in which both coun-
tries would be represented, in order to
effect just settlement There is also
a provision for a just settlement of
boundary matters.
Recognition Goes With Treaty
"The question of recognition is a.
subordinate one, but there will be no
difficulty as to this, for if General
Obregon is ready to negotiate proper
treaty the making of the treaty. in
proper form will accomplish the rec
ognition OF the government that makes
it. In short, when it appears that
there is government in Mexico
willing to bind itself to the dis
charge of primary international obliga-
recognition will take place. This gov
ernment desires immediate and cor
dial relations of mutual helpfulness
and simply wishes that the basis of in
ternational intercourse should be prop
erly maintained.
Accordingly, ON May 27 Mr.. Sum
merlin, American charge d'affaires at
Mexico City, presented to General
Obregon proposed treaty covering the
matters to which reference has been
made. The matter is now in the course
of negotiation and it is to be hoped
that when the nature of the precise
question is fully appreciated the obsta-
cles which have stood in the way of
satisfactory settlement will disappear"