Dear Lyndon: Referring again to your letter of February seventeenth telling of your meeting with President Lopez Mateos last November, I find that my own impression of the new President confirms your favorable report.1 Even though such visits as yours and mine can contribute importantly to good relations between this country and our southern neighbor, there is nothing which can take the place of effective day-to-day representation of U.S. interests by our Ambassador and his country team.2
President Lopez Mateos conveyed to me a sense of vigor and dynamism. Yet he seemed to be holding a tight rein on himself, and I can understand that he might still be feeling his way along, notwithstanding his long experience in public office. He is burdened by serious economic problems, almost none of which he is capable of solving within his own country because of the complexities of today’s international trade. It would be helpful to our relations with Mexico, as well as in our own interest, to consult closely with Mexico on a number of our common problems.
I share with you the firm belief that we should develop the closest relationship with Mexico and that, in doing so, we shall be strengthening our relations with Latin America. President Lopez Mateos seems to recognize the historic role which Mexico can play in the hemisphere. I impressed upon him the need to maintain a favorable climate for investment, both foreign and domestic. He expressed agreement with me on this point.
I raised the question of the development of the Big Bend area as an international park.3 He said that Mexico’s studies of fifteen or sixteen years ago had indicated that a constitutional amendment would be required if they were to participate in this project, thus posing a delicate problem. We shall pursue this matter, nevertheless, through diplomatic channels, to see whether Mexico cannot be persuaded to take the steps necessary to join us in the park.
The President made no mention of the financial discussions which have been carried on by the officials of our governments for the last month or two. He did express appreciation for the cooperation which we have extended to Mexico in this broad sector in the past.4
As you will have learned by the time you receive this letter, I am looking forward to a return visit by President Lopez Mateos some time later in the spring. This will give us additional opportunity to develop the close personal ties which contribute so much to the building of good relations with our neighbors.5
With warm regard, Sincerely
