Sold

This Government has sold to the Mexican Government 5,000 Enfield rifles, model of 1917; 5,000,000 rounds, calibre .30, ammunition; and eight DH4 airplanes, the terms of the sale being one-half cash and one-half within 30 days. These articles do not cover the entire list requested originally, but the Mexican Government finds they will answer its present requirements.

With this announcement, Secretary of War Weeks stamped out the many strange rumors which for more than a week had fed on the proposed sale of arms to Mexico (TIME, Jan. 7). The announcement, however, of the accomplished fact did not quell Congressional criticism.

On the day previous to Mr. Weeks' declaration, Representative Fairchild (Republican) of New York presented in the House two resolutions. One called for adoption as a settled policy (to be known as "The Harding Doctrine") of a portion of a letter which the late President addressed to the Secretary of War: "I am writing to say that I hope it will be the policy of the War Department not only to make no sales of war equipment to any foreign power, but that you will go further and make certain that public sales to our own citizens will be attended by proper guarantees that such supplies are not to be transferred to any foreign power."

The other resolution asked to know the details of the sale to Mexico.

The Hostile Critics. The opponents of the sale expressed themselves in no dubious terms:

"The agreement to sell arms and ammunitioin to the Obregon Government is astounding. I am surprised that it was even considered. There is no essential difference between furnishing firearms and furnishing the men to fire the arms."-- Representative Fairchild.

"This new Hughes policy is without precedent and one that will lead to trouble and hard feeling among our neighbors in South America. It is curious that the State Department is rushing to the aid of a Government which it so long refused to recognize."--Representative Nelson of Wisconsin, insurgent leader:

"Apparently there is no regard for law. I do not know by what international statute it may be permitted that one Government loan arms to another Government in time of civil strife."--Senator Norris of Nebraska, Republican insurgent.

"I think the sale of arms by this Government to Mexico is a technical violation of international law. Actually there is no violation, but it departs from our American policy. It is unwise and will lead to bad results and weaken our position among the Latin American countries."--Senator King, Democrat, of Utah.

The Defence. Supporters of the Administration maintained:

1) that it is the right of any recognized Government, such as Mexico, to buy arms abroad;

2) that in 1919 the U. S. Government made six large sales of War Department property to foreign governments;

3) that during this Administration munitions were sold to Panama, Nicaragua, Cuba;

4) that President Harding wrote the above letter at a time when Poland had asked to buy a large quantity of arms for what he believed to be militaristic purposes;

5) that the Mexican Government is apparently making efforts to meet its obligations at home and abroad, and the arms sold were for the purpose of enabling this friendly Government to maintain order in its territory, not to make war on other nations;

6) that a policy of refusing to sell arms under any condition--even to Governments which are not conducting wars of aggression--tends to promote militarism, for it gives Governments and nations with large military establishments a great advantage over more peaceful neighbors in case of hostilities.

Meanwhile it was announced that the rifles and ammunition, which were at San Antonio and at Fort Bliss, and the aeroplanes, which were at Dayton, would immediately be turned over to the Mexican Government-- to be transported at the buyer's risk.

Representatives of the Mexican rebel private faction, as a counter move, undertook the purchase of arms for the rebel forces. As a result, President Coolidge declared an embargo on arms and munitions of war for shipment to Mexico except such shipments as the U. S. Government may approve for shipment to the recognized Government of Mexico.