The Pittsburgh Press (October 23, 1940)
MEXICO TO CANCEL OIL LEASE TO JAPS
Mexico City, Oct. 23 (UP) –
“Encouraging good relations” between the United States and Mexico were seen today as the reason for the Mexican government’s reported decision to cancel a five-year lease granted the Japanese-controller Veracruzana Oil Co. to explore 250,000 acres in Veracruz State.
The contract was sad to be held in “abeyance.” It was expected that the government will employ some technicality for outright cancellation.
The petroleum administration’s decision not to accept a higher Japanese bid for 19,000 tons of scrap iron also was attributed to the excellent relations prevailing between Washington and Mexico.
Significant of the rising popularity of the United States is the cheering of middle class Mexicans in movie houses showing newsreels of President Roosevelt delivering his Dayton speech on Western Hemisphere.