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290015787
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Memorandum from John Steelman to President Harry S. Truman
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document
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290015787
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document
title
Memorandum from John Steelman to President Harry S. Truman
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President's Secretary's Files (Truman Administration)
Subject Files
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290015787
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14
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1947-08-14
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8
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1947
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AUG 14 1947
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Mexico.
As you know, the foot-and-mouth disease situation in Southern Mexico is
serious, and the United States and Mexico are engaged in & program of slaughter-
ing and burying infected animals in Mexico and cleaning up infected zones. All
efforts are being made to prevent the spread of the disease to Northern Mexico
and to the United States. President Aleman is under considerable pressure from
certain groups in Mexico to substitute vaccination for the drastic slaughtering
measures necessary to stamp out the disease. Also, the campaign is being
hindered by the fact that Mexico has in some instances not reimbursed the owners
of slaughtered small animals, and by the hesitation of the Mexican Government
to provide even its small share of the funds necessary to eradicate the disease.
Secretary Marshall has furnished me with full information on the
problem. On the basis of this information, representatives of the State Depart-
ment met August 12 with Under Secretary Dodd and officials of the Agriculture
Department. Complete agreement was reached. I have informed Acting Secretary
of State Lovett that the matter has been discussed with you, and that the De-
partments of State and Agriculture should proceed along the lines agreed upon.
Main points of the program:
The Mexican Government will be asked to contribute $1
million per month in pesos, in return for which the United
States will contribute at least $5 million per month (unlimited
appropriations have been authorized by the Congress);
To take some of the pressure from President Aleman, a
meeting of international scientists will be arranged in Mexico to
share all known facts concerning the disease;
Individual appraisals of animals will continue, but less
prominence will be given to American field officials; and
All possible assistance will be given cattle raisers of the
disease-free zones of Northern Mexico in marketing their cattle.
President Aleman had asked that you appoint a personal representative
to supervise the program and exercise broad control. This was considered unwise
by both State and Agriculture, but it was agreed that Ambassador Thurston,
Secretary Anderson, and Under Secretary Dodd will keep in close touch with
President Aleman and will discuss the eradication program personally with him
as often as possible.