President Calles hes declined the application of several foreign oil companies for extension beyond January 1, of the date on which the new Mexican land and petroleum Jaws are to be enforced.
The Companies had explained that they were unable to accept the new Jaws as they stood because they did not protect properties acquired before 1917.
The President's refusal has also} disappointed most of the Mexican companies, which had hoped for Postponement of the date in order to give them time to secure amendment of the law so as to safeguard their rights to properties acquired before 1917, President Calles expressed the opinion that "it is not the oil indlustry's own interest but causes far} distant which are the underlying motives of the attitude of rebellion assumed by some of the oil com Panies against complying with the The Laws in Operation London, Jan. 1.
The British Government has re esived no news of the developer in Mexico as a result of the passing of the of laws. There appears (o be no deason to anticipate hasty confiscation or any other serious happening.
While the new Law appears to be quite definite in regard to foreign ownership of gil concessions, there are-w member of enactments bearing in them which may tend to modify, the situation. Probably these wil! aad to a discussion, possibly for some form ut accommodation.
Reuter, Mexico City, Dee. 31.
President Culles, in a New Year message to the Mexican people, evidently referring to the oil Inws, declares that he does not intend "to sive constitutional Inw an interpretation that may harm any legitimate interests invested in Mexico."
Referring to his Government's! church legislation, President Catles declared that he had sincere respect! for all manifestations of religious belief and denied that the Govern-mont intended to destroy any reigious Auith. In regard to the general policy of tie Mexican Governme: t, Pri alles Phas'sed that Me way determined to stand by "her inalienable rights of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.