National Affairs: Mexican Claims

Another step in the diplomatic recognition of Mexico was consummated in Washington when Secretary of State Hughes, Charles Beecher Warren and John Barton Payne signed a convention for a General Claims Commission. Señor Manuel C. Tellez, Charge d’Affaires for Mexico, signed the convention for his country. The commission created by this convention and another for Special Claims will settle the claims of citizens of each country against the other.

The claims of Americans against Mexico are estimated at $350,000,000, but this sum is likely to be materially modified before the claims are allowed. Messrs. Warren and Payne negotiated the two conventions as members of the American-Mexican Commission which sat in Mexico City for three months, beginning on May 14. President Coolidge wrote each Commissioner a letter of congratulation on their achievement. Mr. Warren’s began: ” It is with the utmost satisfaction . . .”; Judge Payne’s began: ” I wish you to know my pleasure . . .”