Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-06-08
U. S. PROPOSES AN
AMITY AND COMMERCE
PACT WITH 0BREG0M
Continued from Page one)
"just settlement of boundar,
matters"

a "just settlement of boundary
| matters"
Wasllington's Statement.
The following statement was
published
The fundamental question
which confrontG the United states
in considering its relations with
Mexico is the safeguarding of prop
erty rights against confiscation.
Mexico is free to adopt any policy
she pleases 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 confiscatory policy strikes
not only at the interests of partic-
ular individuals, but at the founda-
ton of International intercourse,
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 activities i'm helpful !
cooperation are possible,
Puts IL Up to Mexico.
This question should not be con- |
fused with any matter of person
atty or of the recognition of any
particular administration. When |
ever Mexico is ready to give assur-
Gnces that she will perform her |
fundamental obligation in the pro-
lection both of persons and of
rights of property validity acquired. (
there will be no obstacles to the |
most advantageous relations be-
tween the two peoples,
This question is vital because |
Of the provisions inserted in the
Mexican constitution promulgated
in 1917. If these provisions are to
be put into effect retroactiyely,
properties of American citizens
will be confiscated on great scale.
This would constitute an interna-
tional wrong of the gravest charaC-
ter and this government could not
submit to it's accomplishment. If
it be said that this wrong is not in
tended, and that the constitution
of Mexico of 1917 will not be con-
strued to permit, or enforced so as
to affect confiscatiOn, then it Is
important that this should be made
clear by guarantees in proper form.
The provisions of the constitution
and the executive DEGREES which
have been formulated with con-
fiscatory purposes, make it OBJ
viously necessary that the purposes
of Mexico should be definitely set
forth.
Treaty of Am:ty and Commerce.
Accordingly, this government
has proposed a treaty of amity and
commerce with Mexico, in which
Mexico will agree to safeguard the
rights OF property which attached
before the constitution Of 1917 was
promulgated. The question, it
will be observed, is not one of a
particular administration but of
the agreement of the nation in
proper form which has become
necessary as an international mat
ter because of the provisions of its
domestic legislation. ii Mexico
does not contemplate a confisca-
tory policy, the government of the
United States can conceive Of no
possible objection to the treaty.
other Stipulations.
'"The proposed treaty also con-
tains the conventional stipulation
as to commerce and reciprocal
rights in both countries. 1t also
provides for the conclusion of O
convention for the settlement of
claims for losses of life and prop
erty, which, of course, means
prompt establishment of a suitable
claims commission in which both
countries would be represented, in
order to effect a just settlement.
There is also provision for a just
settlement of boundary matters.
The question Of recognition is a
subordinate one, but there will be
no difficulty to this, for if General
Ohregon is ready to negotiate a
proper treaty it Is drawn SO as to |
be negotiated with him, and the
making of the treaty in proper
form will accomplish recognition
of the government that makes it.
In short, when it appears that
there il a government in Mexico
willing to bind itself to the dis
charge of primary International
obligations, Goncurrently with that
act its recognition will take place.
This government desires immedi-
ate and cordial relations of mutual
helpfulness and simply wishes that
the basis of International inter-
course should be properly main
tanned.
Accordingly, on the 9th Of
May Mr.. Summerlin, American
charge at Mexico City, presented
to General Oregon a proposed
treaty covering matters to which
reference has been made. The
matter is now in the course of me-
gotiations and it is hoped that
when the nature of the precise
question is fully appreciated the
obstacles which have stood In the
way OF a satisfactory settlement
will disappear" II
A gpaat manv naoi,Ie arc I'm WING |