Evening star., 1938-08-15
PRESS VIEWS ON
MEXICAN RELATIONS
Seizure of Property by
Other Nations Is Feared.

Mexico's refusal to consider arbitra-
ton of the seizure Of American owned
lands by its government is regarded by
American press commentators as likely
to result in unfavorable future actions
affecting both countries. 1t Is feared
that Mexico, now in poor economic con-
dition. will be unable to obtain needed
capital. 1t is also held that, If Mexico
makes no payment for seized land, other
nations may resort to similar IMPOSE
tionS.
Secretary Hull already has held"
according to the Providence Journal,
that the Mexican government confis-
Gated the American properties, and,
therefore, must make prompt payment
Of just compensation To agree that 1t
was appropriation necessary to carry
out social reforms, and to permit Mex
leo to pay when and how she pleases, is
to fix precedent for other South Amer
ican countries, II not for the world"
Mexico urgently needs foreign capital
for its further development" says the
New York Times, but under existing
conditions it is impossible to expect such
new capital. The Mexican episode may
end by serving salutary purpose If it
helps TO make clear to the parties of the
left in all countries that the real wealth
of a nation lies not primarily in its Gre
alton OF new income annually. No man
In his senses chops down the apple tree
to get the fruit; yet that in principle is
what Is being done in one country after
another today in the name of workers
who are being hurt much more than they
are being helped"
1T might be a good time" advises the
New York Sun. for the State Depart
ment and the Treasury Department to
give the Mexican silver mining industry
a breathing spell until perhaps the Mex
lean government might be willing to
divert little of the easy money this
country pourS into its treasury on silver
purchase to the payment for land, oil
and other property confiscated fgom
American citizens. 1t will be difncult to
convince the American taxpayer and the
American owner OF property in Mexico
that his government is sincere in its
protestations of the Mexican seizures so
long as it continues to make the game
SO profitable to our good neighbors to the
SOUTH
ut looks" thinks the Los Angeles
Times, 'as though Secretary Hull has
gone too far to let the matter rest sub
stantially where it is. Undoubtedly his
representations to Mexico were in part
intended to discourage similar seizures
of American property by other nations,
many Of which are watching the situa-
tion very carefully indeed. If the Mexi-
can affair peters out into a mere note
writing enduring contest We are likely
to have a whole flock of similar 'expro-
priation' problems on our hands else
where in Latin America. 1t seems to be
up to Mr.. Hull"
1t is time for something more than
idle words" asserts the Boise Idaho
Statesman, while the Cleveland News
concludes: IF We 60 on supporting Car
denas. our prestige suffers and all the
little countries beyond the Isthmus will
feel free to rob our citizens. If We show
a temper. or engage openly in reprisals.
the whole movement for uniting the
Americas might fall apart
Mexico says according TO the Green
Bay Press-Gazette, that the door is
still open for discussion. That state
ment has some of the glamour of great
chanceilories seeking an honest means
of finding a just and peaceful solution
of difficult problems. but with Mexico 1t
is futile and meaningless"