Mexico the Beautiful

More than FriendsMore than Neighbors-

A MERE whim of geography made the citizens of the Republic of México our neighbors, Because of that neighborliness, and for other reasons such as mutual interests, trade relations, and intermingling of the inhabitants, the citizens of the two great North American republics are friends. Nearly 65% of México's imports come from the United States; about 60% of her exports to us. The animosities engendered in the early days of the republics have been forgotten.

Thousands of Mexicans have come to our land to live and they and their children have become among our finest citizens. Many Ameri cans, on the other hand, live in México and thousands more visit our sister Republic each year. We know and understand each other; we are friends.

But the Mexican people are more than our friends more than our neighbors-They are our fellows and brothers in arms against vile and hated enemies. They of their own accordhave made our quarrels their quarrels. The ringing voice of México's great president, Manuel Ávila Comacho, hurled the challenge of the Mexican people against oppressors.

No snivelling neutrality for our Mexican neighbors. No weak-kneed diplomacy. Long before the declaration of war, Mexican diplomats played a dramatic part in trying to join all the South American Republics in one solid front against the Axis. Liberty and freedom are household words in every Mexican home. The Mexican people recognized the danger and without hesitation moved against it.

They'll keep their interminable coasts clear of Axis infections. They'll send us rubber and every vital product they have that we need. They'll help us ward off the invader. And we'll work hand in hand for victory with this good neighbor of ours.

Dedication

To those fine and outstanding American citizens of Mexican heritage living in Arizona, who have done so much to build our state and who are doing so much to add to its greatnessTo those splendid Mexican-Americans whose brave sons are following the Stars and Stripes wherever duty callsTo the many Mexican citizens in the border towns of Nogales, Agua Prieta and Naco, in Sonora, whose friendship we treasureTo the citizens of the Republic of México who so readily joined the United States of America in the War against the oppressor And to all these people is this issue of ARIZONA HIGHWAYS; our salute to México, respectfully dedicated.