§ MR. FRANCIS STEVENSONI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a Treaty has been concluded between Japan and Mexico by which Mexican citizens are allowed to settle in the interior of Japan for purposes of trade; whether it is the fact that the United States are about to conclude a similar Treaty with Japan; and, whether it is the intention of the British Government to enter into negotiations, with the object of securing similar advantages for British traders?
§ * THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir J. FERGUSSON,) Manchester, N.E.A Treaty was concluded at Washington on the 30th November, 1888, between Mexico and Japan, by Article IV. of which Mexican citizens are allowed full rights of travel, residence and trade throughout the country. The ratifications have not yet been exchanged. A Treaty between the United States and Japan was signed on the 20th of February last, which is not as yet ratified, and will, in any case, not come into force till the 11th of February, 1890. It contains provisions in regard to the freedom of residence and trade of United States citizens in Japan. Similar proposals have been made to Her Majesty's Government, and have been carefully considered. Her Majesty's Government hope shortly to commence negotiations with that of Japan for the conclusion of a treaty which shall secure equal privileges to British subjects.