Messersmith, G.S., Mexico City. To Emilio G. Collado, Washington., 1942 November 06

Acknowledges Collado's letter regarding desirability of U.S. sending economic mission to Mexico; Mexican Government requested such mission about a year ago; Messersmith was asked his opinion shortly after arrival in Mexico and after careful study recommended that mission not be sent at the time; question arose again some months afterward, and again Messersmith felt it was undesirable; original reasons prompting Mexican Government to ask for mission no longer apply; many of its objectives already realized and others proceeding satisfactorily; Embassy staff, in meantime, has developed in numbers and efficiency, and working with the local procurement office can accomplish more than a special mission sent out, its members with little knowledge of Mexican people and problems; some specialists, such as [Alan M.] Bateman in the field of strategic metals, have done good work, but when some special knowledge or skill is needed and is not presently available in Mexico, it can be asked for; answer is still that economic mission is undesirable.