MEXICO AND THE AXIS

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21737, 25 May 1942, Page 3

MEXICO AND THE AXIS

MOVEMENT OF TROOPS MEETING THE CRISIS (United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright) MEXICO CITY, May 24 Cabinet has asked for a special session of Congress to declare war against the Axis. The decision was taken after a long night session in reprisal for the torpedoing of two Mexican ships in the Caribbean Sea.

It is reported that Congress will meet shortly and an official spokesman said Congress will formally declare war against the Axis Powers. General Sanchez, Chief of the Mexican General Staff, says the Mexican Army has taken all measures necessary to meet the war crisis. The Navy Department has taken over all lighthouses and other navigation aids and will operate them in the interests of national security.

Squads of soldiers are patrolling the capital and other Mexican cities and the army is responsible for public order. Troops are reported to be already moving to strategic zones and protecting railway bridges and tunnels, communications, war factories and airfields. These measures are designed to place Mexico on a complete defensive war basis when Congress makes a formal declaration ot war against the Axis—probably on Tuesday. The Mexican Government is investigating the alleged delivery of an entire cargo of Mexican fuel to Axis submarines by the French steamer Merope, which the Mexican Petroleum Bureau chartered for a voyage to New York. The Merope sailed with 8000 barrels of petroleum and then disappeared, ostensibly lost at sea. However, Mexican coastguardsmen spotted the vessel off the coast two days ago and captured it. They found the ship empty. Half of the Merope’s crew are Frenchmen, whose services were retained because of familiarity with the vessel, other members of the crew being Mexicans. “Down With Hitler!”

Thousands of Mexicans demonstrated against the Axis at a huge meeting in the Central Plaza in homage to 21 men who were lost in submarine attacks.

The crowd gave an ovation to the President and Cabinet members when they appeared on a balcony at the palace. Axis business houses were painted with slogans, “Down with Axis!” and “Down with Hitler!” despite police guards. As the President waved at the populace the Government radio anj nouneed: “We are demonstrating to j the President and the entire world, including Fascists, that Mexico is j united and determined to win the ; war.”