AT WAR WITH AXIS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 126, 30 May 1942, Page 7

AT WAR WITH AXIS

MEXICAN DECISION Formal Declaration Expected On Monday LONDON, May 29. The Mexican Foreign Office announced that Mexico is at war with the Axis nations, although a formal declaration of war is not expected until Monday. The President of Mexico, General Manuel Avila Camacho, has made it clear that Mexican troops would not be sent into action on other continents, but did not eliminate the possibility that they might fight on the soil of other American Republics in the Western Hemisphere. Mexico recognised the limits of her military resources.

President Camacho attended a memorable emergency session of Congress and asked for authority to declare war on the Axis Powers. In the Chamber of Deputies President Camacho pledged all the nation's resources to collaborate energetically in saving America. He said Mexican neutrality had been violated wantonly by the torpedoing of two Mexican ships.

An ovation lasting several minutes interrupted President Camacho when he said these sneaking and cowardly attacks had decided his Government to accept valiantly the realities of situation and ask for a declaration of war against Germany. Italy and Japan. Within an hour of President Camacho's address deputies received bills authorising the President to declare war, to govern by decree, anil to suspend parts of the Constitution. The committee to which the matter was referred will report to-morrow.

Mexico's declaration of war on the Axis created no surprise in London. It is felt in this country that this action typifies a spirited and demo-cratically-minded nation which in no circumstances would allow itself to be insulted. Tribute is paid to President Camacho's great wisdom during a period of extreme difficulty.

Mexico is now expected to take immediate vigorous measures against potential fifth column German and Japanese elements resident in Mexico. Referring to the sinking of two Mexican steamers without cause and without the slightest assistance to members of the crews, President Camacho stated that no replv had been received from Germanv to the ultimatum which ended a week after it had been presented.