POLL: SUSPICION HIGH ON BOTH SIDES OF BORDER

Americans and Mexicans blame each other for illegal drug trafficking, and
both sides believe the other has benefited more from free trade in North

America, according to a survey of national attitudes released Tuesday.

The study, conducted by the polling company Louis Harris & Associates Inc.,
also revealed that an overwhelming majority of Mexicans believes the U.S.
government is unfair to Mexicans who illegally enter and reside in the United

States. A small majority believes the U.S. government mistreats Mexicans who
legally live north of the border.

In addition, the Harris poll showed Mexican displeasure with President
Clinton, despite his controversial rescue of Mexico's economy four years ago.

Louis Harris conducted the survey of both countries between April 8 and May 3.

On the subject of drugs, 50 percent of the 4,500 Mexicans surveyed said
Americans' appetite for buying and using drugs is the main culprit for the
illegal trade. By contrast, of the 1,006 Americans surveyed, 48 percent blame

Mexico for failing to take strong action against Mexican drug dealers.

As for imports and exports, a majority of Mexicans, 73 percent, believes the
North American Free Trade Agreement has been good for the United States,
while 47 percent say the accord has been bad for Mexico. North of the
border, 57 percent of Americans report that the pact has paid dividends for
Mexico, and only 39 percent say it has been beneficial for the United States.

The independent survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage
points, Louis Harris reported.

With regard to immigration, 82 percent of Mexicans believe the U.S.
government treats Mexicans sneaking across the border unfairly.