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INTERIOR GVs President Jose Lopez Portillo of Mexico addressing audience on President Carter's visit. (4 SHOTS)
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GVs President Carter makes speech in English with audience listening. (12 SHOTS)
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CARTER:"We seek to appreciate the individuality of each independent nation and to guide our own policies accordingly. My administration and the people of our country recognise the uniqueness of Mexico. Finally, and most important, the voice of Mexico is heard in the service of world peace. Your government has worked long and hard to control weapons and armaments, both nuclear and conventional, both in this hemisphere and through the world. It would not be going too far to say that of all the major countries on earth, there is non more dedicated to arms control, and more opposed to militarism than Mexico. We welcome Mexico's advocacy of these issues. Though our two countries may not agree with each other in every particular, there is a sense of shared concern and shared values which underlines our relationships.



In our state of mutual respect and mutual regard and with great admiration, Mr. President, I look forward to continuing to work with you toward a world community of justice, diversity and peace."




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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: President Carter faced a tough round of negotiations on Thursday (15 February 1979) with Mexican President Jose Lopez Portillo after being warned by his host that oil-rich Mexico will no longer tolerate being treated by the United States as a junior partner. Mr. Carter, who arrived in Mexico City on Wednesday (14 February) for talks on oil and problems in U.S.-Mexican relations, looked sombre a s he listened to w hat was reportedly the toughest speech directed at him since he came to office two year ago. In the speech at a luncheon he gave in honour of the American President, President Portillo said the two countries have not yet put their friendship to the test.

SYNOPSIS: The Mexican president said the two countries could view their relations as a problem or as a conflict. For the first there could be solutions, which would be welcomed by friends, but a conflict would be welcomed by enemies. Mr. Carter's speech was conciliatory.