The Secretary of State
WASHINGTON
April 1, 1940.
Dear Mr. Ambassador:
I have your letter of March 28 regarding the Mexican
oil dispute, In which you state you understood me to make
Inquiry about the views of His Majesty's Government relative
to the question of the submission of the claims of all the
interests (American, British and Dutch) to some form of
international arbitration.
Probably I did not make myself clearly understood
with respect to this point.     I was merely endeavoring to
keep you informed as to developments in the Mexican oil
situation, rather than to seek British views, and in doing
so I stated that the American companies had represented to
the State Department that they did not desire anything done
by this Government In the matter, unless arbitration by
the Hague Tribunal of the American, British and Dutch
interests could be brought about.
You may recall that some weeks ago the press carried
what purported to be an authorized public statement by
President
The Right Honorable
The Marquess of Lothian,
British Ambassador,
Washington.
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President Cardenas which in effect expressed his attitude
of opposition to any arbitration with any oil interests.
In these circumstances I undertook by oral conversation,
put in memorandum form, to secure from President Cardenas
or the Mexican Government either confirmation or denial
of this published attitude of his Government.       And as
was anticipated, the Mexican Government replied that it
was unwilling to arbitrate any oil interest of any country
before any Tribunal at the present time and stage of the
matter,     I promptly gave this information received through
the Mexican Ambassador to Mr. Donald Rlchberg, representing
the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey.
This I believe is an accurate recapitulation intended
to make clear the understanding I sought to convey to you
about developments in the oil controversy.
Sincerely yours