Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-08-28
RELATIONS WITH K

kELAIlONS WIFI LAAO
The American commissioners sent to Mexico by President
Harding have returned and presented their report to President
Colidge. They were in Mexico about three months, and during
that time held daily conferences with commissioners appointed by
President Oregon. The object of the conferences was to find
some method, if possible, of adjusting pending questions between
the two governments so that diplomatic relations might be re-
sumed and full commercial intercourse developed. The commits
sioners were not clothed with plenipotentiary powers, but were
rather instructed to ask for and impart information, and to re-
port back facts and recommendations.
The exhaustive inquiries made by Messrs. Warren and Payne,
and the clearness with which they made the American position
understood, have done much to make it possible for President
Coolidge to determine whether or not it is wise to extend recogni-
ton to the Oregon regime. He is now in possession of more and
better information than has been in the hand of any American
President since the days of Madero. He knows the true attitude
Of President Oregon and his colleagues. He can determine to
what extent the assurances of the Mexican government may be re-
lied upon, and whether it is wise at this time to rely upon assur-
ances without demanding guarantees.
At the same time, the Oregon government has learned a-
thorHatively what the government and people of the United States
expect from Mexico. The American commissioners are known to
have been frank and explicit in imparting this information. If
the conferences just concluded shall lead to restoration of normal
relations, they will be upon the solid basis of mutual knowledge of
the situation and mutual cooperation in executing policies agreed
upon.
The resumption Of diplomatic relations is a matter that rests
exclusively in the hands of the President. AS for the adjustment
Of pending questions, the commissioners propose that this govern
ment shall make two claims treaties with Mexico, which will pro-
vide for compensation to Americans who have been deprived of
property in Mexico, and presumably some kind of compensation
to relatives of Americans murdered in Mexico. The scope of the
two conventions is not yet revealed, but no doubt they cover the
ground usually covered by such agreements.
Foreign nations are, of course, interested in the negotiations
between Washington and Mexico; for foreigners of many nation
aities have suffered in Mexico and claims mounting into many
millions await adjustment. The principal governments have not
recognized the Oregon regime, having waited for the United
States government to define its course of action. If
the United States government should now be satisfied with the OBJ.
RECON regime, and should conclude claims treaties with it, doubt
less all governments will recognize Obregon, and his ability to es-
tablish a better government in Mexico will be greatly increased.
The people of the United States are anxious for good relations
with Mexico, and will not haggle over the terms of reconciliation,
so long as they are convinced that President Obregon and his gov
eminent are acting in good faith and will be able to make their
engagements effective. Under the skilful guidance of Secretary
Hughes the American commissioners have doubtless made certain
that the tentative agreements cover all essential points.
The question is now up to President Coolidge, and if he approves
Of the plan the treaties will be transmitted to the senate. It is in
his power to extend recognition Immediately, and perhaps he will
find it advisable to do so.