Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1918

File No. 812.032/41

The Ambassador in Mexico ( Fletcher) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Mexico, December 16, 1918, noon.

1817. Your No. 1717, December 14, 3 p.m. In view of recent developments and failure of Mexican Government to meet fully requests of American oil companies in the petroleum law as presented to Congress, and also in view of the fact that the report of the committee of Congress to which was referred the request of the Executive for approval of his exercise of the special powers in fiscal matters granted by Congress on May 8, 1918, on December 10 recommended that the Congress approve his petroleum decrees, I believe protest might now be made in order to keep record clear but it will not likely prevent approval by Congress of the presidential decrees.

Department will recall that no reply has been made to Foreign Office note replying to my note of April 2. Please indicate terms of protest to be made and whether you wish to make reference therein to proposed petroleum law covered in my mail despatches numbered 1627¹ and 1639.

Fletcher

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Mexico ( Fletcher)

[Telegram]

Washington, December 21, 1918, 7 p.m.

1740. Your 1817, December 16, noon. In its No. 799, December 13,² Department sent you instructions for reply to Foreign Office note answering your note April 2.

Protest against proposed bill approving petroleum decrees may be made simultaneously with representations pursuant to such instructions and in terms thereof. Reference need not be made to proposed petroleum law recently introduced in Congress.

Polk

1. Not printed.
2. Ante, p. 784.