By 1920, bilateral relations between the governments of Mexico and the United States were especially tense. The government led by Álvaro Obregón was not recognized by its counterpart, who demanded that some articles of the 1917 Constitution be repealed in order to strengthen the economic interests of the United States. Treaty of Bucareli
Obregón needed to gain international recognition from the neighboring country and, on the other hand, the US government intended to defend the property rights of citizens residing in Mexican territory and, at the same time, transform Mexico into an economically submitted nation . It was from this historical context that a new framework of relations between the two nations began to be negotiated.
The Treaty of Bucareli established the strengthening of US interests in Mexican territory
Representatives of the two nations started conversations in 1923 in the Mexican capital, more specifically on Bucareli Street. The two parties signed two treaties: in one of them it was agreed that a complaints section would be created to serve the economic interests of US citizens affected by the Revolution , while in another a new economic framework was agreed to protect oil exploitation from US companies in Mexican territory. Treaty of Bucareli
After a period of negotiations, the following agreements were reached:
1) the Mexican government would defend the claims of foreign citizens in its territory,
2) concessions made before the 1917 Constitution would be recognized.
In return, the US government would agree to the recognition of the Mexican government led by Obregon.
Tensions and the end of the treaty
The Treaty proposal did not convince all members of the Mexican government, in fact, Finance Minister Adolfo de la Huerta strongly opposed its definitive signing because he understood that the economic concessions to the foreign power were excessive. Treaty of Bucareli
Adolfo de la Huerta resigned from his post and after promoting a revolt against Álvaro Obregón, the president’s supporters managed to stop the rebels with the collaboration of the United States.
The atmosphere of tension generated was not reduced and the new Mexican president (Plutarco Elías Calles) took the decision to revoke the Treaty of Bucareli in 1926. At that moment, it seemed that an imminent war between the two nations was about to occur, but that it was finally avoided .
The definitive solution came years later when President Lázaro Cárdenas approved the nationalization of oil. On the popular belief that the Treaty of Bucareli had secret clauses there is no historical evidence.
