AMERICA ANGRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23127, 27 August 1938, Page 13

AMERICA ANGRY

NOTE TO MEXICO CONFISCATED FARM LANDS REFUSAL OF ARBITRATION RELATIONS ENDANGERED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received August 20, 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, August 25 The text of the United States Note to Mexico on 1 August 22 declares Mexico's refusal to arbitrate upon the expropriation of American-owned farm land is a violation of international law threatening a breakdown of confidence and trust between the two nations. "Since the Mexican Government has challenged tho doctrino of just compensation and proposed to substitute for it the theory of confiscation, tho merits of this fundamental issue must bo determined before any others can be considered," says the Note, which is sharply worded. Contrary to earlier belief, the Note takes strong issue against tho Mexican policy, adding: "If the policy were generally followed, what citizen of any republic, making his living in any other of the 20 republics of tho western hemisphere, could have any assurance from one day to tho next that he and his family would not bo evicted from their homes and bereft of all means of livelihood?"

The Note concludes by saying that tho expropriation constitutes "unadulterated confiscation," and demands immediate action to satisfy the United States claims, America being ready to accept arbitration or determination by commissioners.