U.S. AMBASSADOR'S DRUG COMMENTS PROBABLY FOR AMERICAN EARS ONLY

MEXICO CITY - Mexicans vented their anger at the U.S. ambassador Friday
after he called Mexico "the world headquarters of drug trafficking." His
comment came as Mexican cooperation with U.S. anti-drug forces reached an
unprecedented level.

Ambassador Jeffrey Davidow's language was startling given the warm praise
used by U.S. officials for Mexico's latest efforts to fight drugs and
considering Davidow's normally deferential style.

The comments, which Davidow made Thursday during a question-and-answer
session with Mexico City alumni of the University of Southern California,
came at a strange time. Over the next week, Mexico is all but assured of
having its status as a cooperative partner in the fight against drugs
renewed. Loss of the U.S. certification would deny Mexico trade benefits
and possible access to international loans.

For many Mexicans and analysts, Davidow's comments seemed likely linked to
U.S. domestic politics.

"I think this was tactical, for domestic consumption," Delal Baer, of the
Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said.
"Nobody wants to be seen as soft on Mexico."