WAR DEPARTMENT OCT 26 1942 WASHINGTON MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: Subject: Return of Captured Mexican Flags. You have asked me to comment on the suggestion made by the Under Secretary of State that certain flags captured by our troops in the battle of Chapultepec be returned to the Mexi- can Government as an expression of the fine relations which now exist between our two countries. Particular emphasis is placed on the desirability of returning those flags which were taken from the Cadets of the Mexican Military College who died in the defense of Chapultepec Castle during that battle. As has been pointed out, the Cadets who lost their lives there have come down through history as the child heroes of Mexico, and September 13th is set aside annually in commemoration of their death. The flags that were captured in the Mexican War were deposited for preservation at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Many of these flags cannot be positively identified as having been captured in any particular battle. Only one flag has been identified as having been captured at Chapultepec Castle, but the unit from which this flag was taken has not been identified. It is possible that this flag may have belonged to the Mexican Military College, but to date it has been impossible to establish its identity. Further investigation is being made in this regard. I am advised that, according to the law, all property taken from the enemy, such as the flag in question, becomes the property of the United States, and can only be disposed of in the manner suggested by the Under Secretary of State by special authori- zation of the Congress. If you desire that one or more of the captured Mexican flags be returned to the Mexican Government, the War Department would be pleased to initiate action with the view to obtaining the necessary legislative authority. Robert P Patterson Acting Secretary of War |