Evening star., 1939-02-05
Roosevelt Sees
Mexican Envoy
On Oil Dispute
WeIles Present in
45-Minute Talk at
White House
BACKGROUND

Meric1n appropriation OF
American and British oil CON-
panies last March created con-
tinuing problem in relations be-
t,Deen Merico City and Washing
ton. Numerous diplomatic notes
haze passed betpeen the gou-
ernnents, 1Uith the State De-
pdrtment insisting on compensa-
ton for the appropriations and
Merico denying that it is physi-
cally able to pay at this time.
Meanwhile, oil from seized prop
critics is being bartered to Ger
many, Italy and Japan.
Presi dent Roosevelt yesterday
delved into the controversy created
last March by Mexico's appropriation
of the properties of United States
oil companies, comforting with Mex
ican Ambassador Francisco Castillo
Najera and Undersecretary of State
Sumner Welles.
The conference, which was held in
the living quarters of the White
House, lasted for about As minutes,
after which Mr.. Welles returned to
the State Department to discuss
matters with Secretary of State Hull.
The Mexican Ambassador. on leav-
ing the White House, said general
aspects of various problems between
the two countries were considered,
but declared none of the alterna-
tives for settlement of the oil dis
pute was discussed.
Awaits Talk With Companies.
He said his government was still
waiting for representatives of the
companies to present their case to
the Mexican authorities.
The matter is still between the
oil companies and the Mexican gov
ernment-not between the two gov
ernments," the Ambassador said
after the conference.
Declaring he planned to remain in
Washington, the Mexican diplomat
said he expected Donald r. Rich
berg, attorney for Standard Oil in
terests in Mexico. to talk with him
In few days at the Embassy.
Mr.. Richberg, recovering from a
recent slight illness, conferred with
Secretary Hull Friday. There have
been persistent reports that he was
planning to confer with Mexican
government officials in Mexico City,
but he has declined to comment on
the reports.
Former Secretary of War Patrick
j. Hurley, who returned recently
from a visit to Mexico, where he
represented other oil interests, in
cluding the Sinclair Oil Co., is in
New York talking with oil executives
there and is expected to return to
Washington within few days.
Denies Silver Discussed.
DR.. Castillo Najera said the silver
purchase program of this Govern
ment was not brought into the dis
cussion with President Roosevelt.
He added that the special Agrarlan
Claims Committee, established under
a recent agreement between the
United States and Mexico, was pro-
crossing satisfactorily in its study
of the claims of American citizens
in Mexico City
The Ambassador said the oil COM
panies' representatives could confer
with him here or with officials Of
his government in Mexico City.
President Lazaro Cardenas re-
Gently invited the oil companies to
discuss with him the possibilities of
settling the controversy, which has
been a lively topic among congress
sional groups.
Demands Publication of Note.
Before the White House confer
ence. Senator Bridges, Republican,
of New Hampshire had demanded
that the State Department make
public very secret and mysterious"
note which was reported to have
been dispatched to the Mexican gov
ernment at the time of the oil land
appropriation.
+ Senator Bridges, in a letter to
Undersecretary Welles, charged that
general confiscation of the Ameri-
can-owned properties. IF tacitly ap-
proved by inaction on the part of
our Government, may soon endanger
the peace and welfare of this Ma
ton and may we'll result in inter-
national disorder"
rs the government of President
Cardenas, obviously hostile to the