§ MR. H. B. SHERIDANsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If any, and what steps have been taken by the Government of this Country to re-open diplomatic relations with Mexico?
MR. OTWAY,in reply, said, he did not know whether the hon. Member was aware of the circumstances under which the rupture of diplomatic relations between this country and Mexico took place. On the re-establishment of the present Republican Government President Juarez intimated that it was the decision of his Government not to hold communication with the agents of any of the Powers who had recognized the preceding and de facto Government of Mexico. Mr. Glenny, our Consul in the City of Mexico, was not allowed to fulfil his consular jurisdiction, and under those circumstances the Government of Lord Derby instructed Her Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Mexico to withdraw, taking with him all the other members of the Legation. However 846 desirous Her Majesty's Government might be to maintain amicable relations with all Governments, it did not seem, under these circumstances, that the first step towards re-opening diplomatic relations with Mexico should be taken by this country.