Speech #830121451

This act. which expired December 31. 1953. was extended until December 31. 1955. by the act of August 8. 1953 (67 Stat. 500). Because of continuing differences with Mexico as to the interpretation of various provisions of the agreement. the operation of the program became increasingly difficult. and in numerous cases the contracting processes were halted at the time the laborers were most needed. Accordingly. when negotiations were undertaken early in October 1953 for the extension of the migrantlabor agreement. the United States notified Mexica that unless the two governments could reach accord on interpretations of some of the more fundamental provisions of the agreement. and unless certain modifications could be agreed upon so that employers who were hiring Mexicans who entered the country illegally. could obtain their labor supply. to the extent that foreign workers were needed by them. under the agreement. an extension of the agreement would not be possible. While the agreement expired on December 31. 1953. an extension was agreed upon until January 15. 1954. in an effort to provide more time for the two countries to reach accord. This extension has now expired without an agreement being reached between the two Governments. although it is expected that negotiations will continue.