The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-03-10
AGENT DECLARES
j. S. OIL INTERESTS
AID MEX REBELS
David GerSon, Says WASH
ington Ordered Hands Off
Seized Munitions,

tBy Scrip Howard Newspaper Alliance)
SAN DIEGO, Cal, March lot is
expected appearance of David Ger
shon before the United States Senate
investigating committee this week
may clear up one of the strangest
episodes in INSTRUMENTATION rela-
tons.
In October, 1921, San Diego wit
messed the open recruiting of troops
for participation in a proposed revolu-
ton in Lower California.
Similar activities were reported in
Los Angeles. In each case there was
no interference on the part OF United
States authorities, Notwithstanding
the clear violation of the neutrality
laws. The word spread that Estaban
Canto planned to seize Lower Cali
fornia and that his purpose was not
regarded unfavorably by the AIneri-
can Government.
Representatives of the Mexican gov
eminent protested in vain until after
the Cantu forces, including those re-
cruited here had been decisively de-
featetd in. the field.
Then. acting on charges made to
the State Department at Washington,
David Gershon, Department of Justice
agent, was discharged.
Orders From Washington
Gershon is prepared to testify his
failure 10 interfere with the revolu-
tionists' activities was the direct re
suit Of orders from Washington.
Gershon seized arms and munitions
on the border in October, 1921. Later
he released the munitions and they
were used by the Cantu troops in an
unsuccessful engagement with the
Mexican Federal troops.
The significance of David Gershon's
expected testimony before the Wheeler
committee lies in the long fight be.
tween the Mexican Government and
the American oil interests. Since the
fall Of Portfiro Diaz, these oil inter
ests have endeavored to obtain a con-
trolling hand in Mexican affairs. They
have been more active, however. since
the adoption Of the constitution of
1917. This constitution provides no
foreigner can own subsoil, or mineral
rights in Mexico.
Property Of Whole People
The theory Of the Mexican law is
that minerals below the ground form a
natural resource. that is, property of
the whole people. Carranza chung to
this-or rather the sentiment OF the
Mexican people forced his adherence
to IL
Obregon has refused to depart from
it, despite the financial pressure from
American interests.
It was the quarrel over this ques-
ton that caused the six years delay
by the American Government In recog-
milton OF the Mexican government. AS
finally adjusted, It was agreed this
clause OF the Mexican constitution
should not be retroactive law, that is.
Americans already in possession Of
lands containing oil or other minerals
should not be disturbed in their
possession.
Means Untold Millions
The clause in the Constitution
means untold hundreds of millions OF
dollars to the Mexican people. 1t
would mean the same hundreds OF
millions to the American oil interests
II It could be eliminated. The Obregon
government, with the support Of the
people, has suppressed one after an
other such attempts at revolutions as
were melted with American oil money.
From the outset OF the Fall in
vestigation It has been believed Falls
activity in Mexican affairs would be
shown to have It's base in efforts to aid
the exploitation Of Mexico by Ameri-
can oil interests.