MEXICO SHOCKED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 April 1938, Page 7

MEXICO SHOCKED

AT GREAT BRITAIN'S DEMAND

RETURN OF OIL PROPERTIES FLAT REFUSAL PREDICTED By Telegraph.—Press Association. Copyright. NEW YORK, April 9. Britain’s demand for the return of expropriated oil properties in Mexico has shocked official circles, but it is sugested that the demand will be met by a flat refusal. The British Note held that, while under certain circumstances expropriation was justifiable, this expropriation was essentially punitive action, rather than for the national welfare, and that the conflict was not over wages, but over the companies’ right to manage their own properties instead of having workers’ management. A message from Mexico City states that women throughout Mexico have been invited to give jewellery and silverware to the Government to help pay off the foreign oil companies.

President Cardenas is examining Britain’s demand for restoration, but is expected to reject it. An earlier message from London stated: Britain has instructed the Minister in Mexico City to inform the Mexican Government that its decree expropriating foreign oil companies is regarded as inherently unjustified and to formally request restoration of property belong to the Mexican Eagle Company.