Mexico and the Axis
The repeated sinkings of Mexican ships by German U-boats, and the disregard of Mexican protests, had their logical sequel in President Camacho's request to Congress for a formal declaration of war. He has the enthusiastic support of his own Ministers and the popular leaders, and the Falangista Opposition Party leader promptly called to offer has support. The Congressional Com- mission has already expressed unanimous approval, and there is no doubt that Congress itself will follow suit. Thus Mexico ranges herself with the nine other American republics which, have declared war on Germany. President Roosevelt's co-operative policy, and his willingness to ease the burden on Mexico by taking on behalf of the United States most of the exports she would normally send to Europe, have played their part in bringing Mexican opinion so strongly to the side of the United Nations. It cannot be expected that Mexico will equip armed forces for use overseas, though she is already preparing for her own defence. But her valuable minerals —copper, lead and zinc—will be at the disposal of the Allies, and the country will cease to be a centre for Germaii propaganda and espionage. Germany has poured out money in the Latin-American States in the hope of building up active opposition to the Allies ; but her opportunities for working mischief are being rapidly diminished. All but two of the American republics have broken off relations with the Axis. The new world is steadily ranging itself on the side of the democracies.
