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6 of unusual international interest. Of the investments made those representing American capital are by far the most important.

5. Its international trade exchange makes a country of importance in international affairs. The economic development of Mexico since the '80s of the past century has made it one of the most important of the American republics in foreign commerce. In both the imports and exports of Mexico the United States plays a part far more important than any other power.

6. Mexican affairs are of special interest to the United States, furthermore, because Mexico is the nearest of foreign countries. The two republics are neighbors with adjoining properties and what affects one must have an effect upon the other.

7. The developments that occur in Mexico will have a wider influence on American foreign policy than appears at first sight, for Mexican relations are in a peculiar way a thermometer for Pan-American relations. Whether the assumption is justified or not, any measure adopted toward Mexico is apt to be taken by other Latin American states as a measure of what may be expected for themselves, however different the conditions to be met in the two cases may be. This is unfortunate but true. Obviously that which may be demanded from Haiti for the protection of the rights of the United States would be unnecessary in a country of the orderly character of Argentina or Chile. Nevertheless the Latin American countries consider themselves a group with common interests and a step that affects one is looked upon as indicating a policy toward the rest. There can