Mexico's dilemma/Appendix D
APPENDIX D
The proposed american chamber of commerce
When I was in Mexico City the American business men were discussing the advisability of organising a Chamber of Commerce. In the Chapter on "The Last Spy Offensive" I mentioned what a contrast there was between the German intrigue in Mexico and the American business methods. I am adding the official statement of the American committee so that the reader may see what the full plans of the Americans are. In so doing I wish to add that contrary to the oft repeated charges in the United States that all Americans and foreigners in Mexico were exploiting the people I found that those Americans in Mexico to-day are the same high type men who are a credit to the United States business world. I met during my stay in Mexico only one pessimistic American merchant who lamented the disappearance of the "good old days" when President Diaz permitted the foreigners to do about as they pleased. He, the Pessimist, advocated intervention in order that these "good days" might return, forgetting perhaps that if the United States ever intervened in Mexico the methods would not be German.
The American folder runs as follows:
PROJECT FOR AN
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OF MEXICO
A committee has decided to submit to American residents and American firms established or interested in Mexico a proposal for the formation of an American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico City.
It is proposed to establish a purely commercial and non-political organisation which will foment the friendly trade relations between Mexico and the United States, and which, in co-operation with the representatives of the United States in Mexico, will be able to initiate as active a campaign for American trade as is now being carried on by organisations of other countries for their own interests.
To establish a nucleus upon which all American interests may centre and present a united front not only toward internal problems of trade, but also, through intercourse with chambers of commerce in the United States, toward the attitude of a great body of American manufacturers who, by reason of misinformation and by inaction, are imperiling their hold on a market which under all economic laws should be inalienably theirs.
To form a clearing house wherein business offered to firms outside of their particular line may be promptly brought to the attention of such firms as are equipped to handle the same.
To establish headquarters in Mexico City for local organisation and for affiliation with chambers in the United States and with American chambers in the cities of Latin America and Europe.
To offer membership to American firms and American residents in the Republic of Mexico and in the United States.
To secure correspondents throughout Mexico and especially in localities that do not afford the services and co-operation of American consular officers.
To compile information thus gathered and to distribute or utilise it for the benefit of members and for promotion of American trade and industry; applying such information to inquiries from the United States and helping non-residents to discriminate between desirable and undesirable enterprises.
To publish a periodical bulletin and market reporter, carrying paid advertisements, and ultimately to establish and let space for exhibits both of American manufactures, and of the products of Mexico. To take up such other activities as the members may determine.
With these objects in view Americans are invited to join in organising an American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico.
The State Department at Washington, on being informed of the plan to establish a chamber of commerce here, has authorised its consuls throughout Mexico to co-operate and to assist the chamber under the supervision of its consuls general.
Proposed Plan of Organisation
(Subject to Change by the Subscribing Members)
Directors and Officers
A board of fifteen directors to be elected by the members of the chamber and to have general charge of its affairs. Of these, five to be elected for one year, five for two years and five for three years.
The officers of the chamber shall be selected by the board and shall consist of a president, two vice-presidents, treasurer and secretary. All except the secretary must be members of the board. Honourary president and vice-presidents may also be chosen by the board.
An executive committee shall be designated by the board from its number. The board shall determine various committees to be established, appoint the members thereof and supervise their work.
Committees
Committees are recommended as follows:
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1.— Executive,
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4.— Publicity,
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7.— Trade,
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10.— Transportation,
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Some committees would be of more immediate importance than others, but time would be saved for the future by appointing the most of them at once and getting their work started. Interest among merchants, manufacturers and financiers in the United States toward Mexico, although latent now, is widespread and will become active as soon as the European war closes or the situation clears further in Mexico.
Location
Suitable rooms will be secured and kept open daily, making this a common meeting place for members and visitors, with facilities for reading and writing. Space could be provided and let for foreign and native exhibits and samples.
Membership and Dues
The membership, limited to Americans, to be made up of these classes:
| Members | Entrance Fee | Quarterly Dues | Vote | ||
| Active | Corporate | 100pesos | 25pesos | 2 | |
| Individual | 50" | 12.50" | 1 | ||
| Associate Resident | 25 " | 6.25" | None | ||
| Associate | Corporate | 50 " | 12.50" | None | |
| Non-Resident | Individual | 25 " | 6.25 " | None | |
Active members may be either resident or nonresident. A resident individual or firm engaged in business that employs a capital of more than 10,000 pesos shall be classed as a corporate member in regard to entrance fee, dues and votes.
A local firm or company with not more than 10,000 pesos capital may be classed as an individual active member with respect to entrance fee, dues and vote.
Americans residing in the Federal District and not engaged in business may enter either as active individual members or associate resident members.
Only active members shall serve on the board and on committees and be entitled to vote at meetings of the chamber.
Representation of corporate members at formal meetings must be by Americans.
Mexican corporations owned and controlled by Americans shall be considered American corporations.
Respectfully submitted,
By the Committee
H. P. Lewis
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K. M. Van Zandt, Jr.
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S. W. Rider, Chairman
Consul General, G. A. Chamberlain,
Advisory Member.
September, 1917.