The Washington times., 1921-12-29
j. s. RIGHTS
MEXICO.
HELD SAFE.
obregon Doubly Anxious to
Safeguard American
interests.
By OTHEMAN STEVENS.


Copyright, 1921. by Universal Service, Inc)
MEXICO CITY. Dec. 29.-Secre-
tary for Foreign Affairs Alberto J..
Pani is a man Of continued high
position in Mexican governmental
affairs. He has charge of Mexico's
relations with the rest Of the world.
His utterances on the Question Of
recognition by the Unite9 Btateik
therefore. have deep Significance
and, value in the present situatit,i.
Wants Mexican Position Understocd.
1t is a remarkable thing for a
minister to express for publication
sentiment about such a delicate
question. That Secretary Pani does
this is due to his intense desire to
give the American people. whom he
knows by many visits to our coun-
try. an understanding of Mexico's
position.
In reply to questions. this Is Secre-
tary's Pani's statements:
THE fact that recognition is pend
ing on a settlement Is a serious han
dicap on business activity between
the two countries. The Mexican gov
ernment has official information
which shows that very great num-
Der Of large enterprises and trans
actions are marking time until the
decision on recognition is known.
Great Investment Sum Held Up, Too.
II can further say that a very
great sum Of money in the aggre-
gate. which it is intended will be in
vested in this country Is being held
up on the same account.
THAT these transactions and in
vestments would be of incalculable
benefit to both countries is a GER
tainty. We feel that these facts are
also known to your government, and
that doubtless they are being taken
into account by your State Depart
ment in the consideration given by
1t to the recognition question"
When the Secretary was asked as
to the attitude Of his government
toward recognition he replied that
he could best answer that in the
words OF the President. He reached
for book containing President
Obregon's address to Congress on
that subject.
my understanding is that those
words reflect the attitude of our gov
ernment." he said. And then re read:
"Our Government Is as much con-
cerned as the United States Govern
ment about the protection Of Ameri.
can interests in Mexico. considering
such protection as one Of its strong
est Duties toward that great country.
mot only on account OF the mater
ial bonds created by her geographic
vicinity, but also on account of the
moral ones still stronger. of our SYM
pathy toward her democratic institu-
tions and the. high qualities of her
people.
Both Nations in Accord.
Both Governments are therefore
I'm accord on this purpose. And in
order to cooperate more efficiently in
the attainment of that purpose, that
Is to say, to cooperate In such a form
that said attainment will give credit to
the Mexican Government and enable
1t to perform its duties of protection,
being at the same time a reason for
a better future understanding between
both countries, the Mexican Govern.
ment has preferred to substitute for
the easy method Of making pledges
which might be humiliating. the
natural developement of it's political
and administrative plan.
And 1t means to follow the same
path until the field Ia considered suf-
ficiently free from obstacles to reach
settlement on the matter Of re-
cosnition along lines that will not
detract from Mexican national dignity
and sovereignty and will enable the
Mexican Government to enter into
and close on an equal level as many
treaties as are considered necessary
for the better cordiality Of the renewed
diplomatic relations"
It Is recognized here that a strong
combination exists In the United States
OF financial and oil interests which for
some selfish purpose seek to prevent