2. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any official information to the effect that a British subject named Body has been arrested by the Federal troops, arising out of the occupation of Mexican territory by the United States; if so, have any representations been addressed to the Mexican Government on the matter, and the result; and what steps are being taken with the object of protecting the lives and property of other British subjects resident in Mexico?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)I have no information as to the arrest of a British subject named Body. A Canadian named Boyd is reported to have been arrested by Mexican Federals whilst on the way to Vera Cruz, and Sir Lionel Garden was instructed on the 26th instant to take whatever steps he could on his behalf. British subjects in Mexico have been warned to use their discretion as to leaving the country, and His Majesty's Consuls have been instructed to take all possible steps for their 1863 protection, and His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington has been instructed to seek, in addition, the good offices of the United States Government for the protection of the property and interests of such British subjects as may be forced through the present situation to leave Mexico. The statement which I made in the House on the 28th instant shows the steps that are being taken for the removal of British subjects who desire to leave the country.