October 2, 1942
 
My dear Mr. President:
 
          I attach herewith a copy of a dispatch which I have 
 
received from Ambassador Messersmith x896 suggesting that the 
 
flags captured by our troops in the Battle of Chapultepec 
 
on the thirteenth of September, 1847, be returned to the 
 
Mexican Government.  I agree with the Ambassador that this 
 
would be a highly desirable gesture and that it would be 
 
a very happy symbolic expression of the relations now exist-
 
ing between Mexico and the United States. It is indeed a 
 
source of the deepest satisfaction that Mexico and the United 
 
States, for the first time in the history of the two nations, 
 
are fighting side by side.
 
     It is my understanding that the flags in question are 
 
currently in the Chapel at West Point and under the general 
 
custody of the Quartermaster General of the Army. If you 
 
are in agreement with our recommendation that they be returned 
 
to the Government of Mexico, you will wish to communicate with 
 
the Secretary of War in regard to the carrying out of the necessary 
 
arrangements.
 
 
               Faithfully yours,
 
               Sumner Welles
 
 
Enclosure:
 
     As above.
 
 
The President,
     
     The White House.