Abstract
The first question relates to understanding the historical symbolism of the Corridor, beyond the emphasis on the economy: Taking into account that the logistical importance of the territorial narrowness of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec could be documented at least 500 years ago -with Hernán Cortés-; that it played a geopolitical role in the 19th century; and that it has been considered by various contemporary government administrations: How would you describe the relevance or historical significance of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec for present-day Mexico? RMA: Well, in terms of history, we can indeed think that, yes, starting from Hernán Cortés, but later on, during the colonial period, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec was envisioned as the link between the two oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific, in order to bring the Pacific closer to Europe in a more practical way by crossing this narrow zone. Then comes Humboldt, who conducts a very comprehensive analysis of all the Mexican coasts and encourages the great empires to seek out the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. From there, during the time of Juárez, we have the signing of the McLane-Ocampo Treaty, where the United States sought to have unrestricted passage through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a sort of Panama Canal within Mexican territory. Political reasons of the time led President Juárez to accept that situation, which the United States government itself, through its Senate, did not accept, and fortunately, today we are working on it. We are a country that is not divided into two territories by a canal or by a space that is not under the control of the Mexican government. That is what gives the Isthmus of Tehuantepec its importance in terms of National Security and as a strategic area, which the President has established should be under the jurisdiction of the Secretariat of the Navy due to National Security concerns, as it is not advisable to leave such an important space -strategically and geopolitically -adrift, in the hands of anyone who does not see it as a space of National Security. So, we believe that the Isthmus of Tehuantepec will allow for regional development, but it will also have an impact on international geopolitics, putting Mexico at the heart of the world. AL: Is it important to tell people that there is a historical dimension to the Corridor? RMA: Of course, as I was saying, the Corridor originates from the colonial era, but during the subsequent Mexican governments-specifically under President Juárez and President Porfirio Díaz-the construction of the railroad route in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec was consolidated, because it was sought after. It could be possible to build a canal using the hydrological basins throughout the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, mainly the tributaries of the Coatzacoalcos River, but there is a space that would greatly complicate that maritime connection, which is what we now know as The Rabbit Ears, the part of the mountain range that divides the Atlantic. It was very difficult to overcome that part. So, at that time, the idea was to create a railroad line, connect it via the railroad, and development began around the 1840s. Construction started in that area; it was very challenging. The area was very brackish; the weather was very complicated; there was little development; so it wasn't achieved easily. The Tehuantepec Isthmus Railroad, as such, was inaugurated by President Porfirio Díaz in 1907, but before that, a journey was made around 1894-95. A journey of 10.5-10.6 hours was made, by train between Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos, but even so, the tracks were not operational. It was very complicated. It wasn't until 1907 because President Díaz, in a way to counterbalance American power, leaned towards the English and granted this concession to Pearson. Pearson was also a partner of El Águila company. Pearson developed the large drainage system of Mexico City, built the port of Salina Cruz, and built the port of Coatzacoalcos. So, he was the right person to do this, and he managed to exploit it, achieving the movement of very important cargoes through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, to the extent that significant ships were moved. More than 90 ships docked in Salina Cruz within a year. Currently, we don't reach that level. I mean, the cargo movement during that time was very significant. When the Panama Canal process began around 1914-1915, first with the French, then with the Americans, there was a halt in the development process of the Tehuantepec Isthmus. Why? Because the Panama Canal offered many advantages by allowing ships to cross directly. There was no need to unload them, no need for multimodal transportation. Ships headed towards the Panama Canal, and the Isthmus lost its importance in transporting cargo from one ocean to another. However, when we study the history of the Interoceanic Corridor, of this coastal strip that gives the country that geostrategic advantage, bringing these historical lessons to today will help us understand where we should project this great project. Just To give an example, Panama is currently facing water problems. Lake Gatun is drying up, there is a significant decrease in the water level, and apart from this, there is a problem with water salinity. The process of crossing a ship from the Atlantic to the Pacific is through locks, so seawater from one ocean is pumped up to the other, and these locks contaminate Lake Gatun with saltwater, causing a problem with drinking water in that region because it is becoming saline. This cannot be permanent, so they will have to consider some mitigation measures. However, this is an advantage for us. Now we have to ensure that this cargo comes to Mexico and use this Corridor that will allow us to relive the history of 1907.
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