A Legal Question

Mr. Secretary Hughes has finally sent to Mexico City two competent lawyers to arrange for the " recognition " of the Obregon Government.

For it is now chiefly a legal question which must be settled before American recognition is accorded: By Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution, the Mexican government was given all the subsoil of Mexico, including oil, minerals, etc. This was manifestly unfair to foreigners who had previously acquired rights to subsoil properties. Obregon has said that he would recognize these rights obtained by American investors before the Constitution went into effect. But Secretary Hughes does not trust his word. He wants the promise written down-- preferably into a " treaty of commerce and amity."

This Article 27, together with Article 33, has been the basis of the new freedom of Mexico because it has given the land back to Mexicans. Hitherto, Obregon has been unable to yield on it for fear of being accused of " selling out to America."

Obregon, as has often been said, " must win over America and yet assure the people he isn't doing so." His position is now so strong that it seems certain the Mexican people will accept whatever arrangement he makes with America. And the American commissioners, John Barton Payne and Charles B. Warren, are likely to meet Obregon half way.