American-Mexican Claims Commission

Obregón had sought U.S. diplomatic recognition for his government and engaged in bi-lateral talks with the U.S. over constitutional issues regarding oil, resulting in the Bucareli Treaty.

The Mexican-U.S. General Claims Commission was another formal effort to renegotiate the relationship between the Mexico and the U.S.[6] The convention, which took effect on March 1, 1924, was intended to improve relations between the countries by forming a commission to settle claims arising after July 4, 1868,“against one government by nationals of the other for losses or damages suffered by such nationals or their properties” and “for losses or damages originating from acts of officials or others acting for either government and resulting in injustice.”[7] Excluded from the jurisdiction of the General Claims Commission were cases stemming from events related to revolutions or disturbed conditions in Mexico.

Work resumed in 1934 under a new protocol and format, with two commissioners, Genaro Fernández MacGregor (Mexico) and Oscar Underwood, Jr., US, both appointed in 1934.

[12] Claims by U.S. citizens with counterclaims by Mexicans asserted high value for their losses, in anticipation that only a percentage would be paid in the end.

[13] In 1934, direct bilateral negotiations between the U.S. and Mexican governments worked to settle the general and special claims through ordinary diplomatic channels.

[15] In addition to the fact that during the period between 1910 and 1930, civil wars and multiple military coups and internal rebellions (some sponsored by the United States and other foreign nations, such as Great Britain and Germany) devastated industries in Mexico, war reparations slowed higher education, as well as research and technological development, while social and political instability drove away foreign investment.