HC Deb 23 February 1914 vol 58 cc1372-3
1. Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have recently addressed any representations to the Governments of the United States and of Mexico with regard to the continued prejudice to British interests caused by the prolonged disturbances in Mexico; and, if so, when Papers can be laid?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

His Majesty's Government have been in frequent communication with the Government of the United States and with the Government of Mexico respecting protection of British lives and property. The continued fighting in Mexico has, of course, caused very great prejudice to British and all commercial interests, and is a matter of grave concern. The pacification of Mexico is the object that we earnestly desire to see accomplished; but it is impossible to effect it by British intervention, and we do not propose to make an attempt of that character, which would be both futile and impolitic.

I will lay Papers as soon as it is possible to do so; but the most interesting of the Papers in the Foreign Office consist of communications at various times from the Government of the United States concerning their policy and their views with regard to Mexico. Some of these communications are of a confidential character, and I cannot, in accordance with diplomatic usage, include any of them in a Blue Book without first asking the consent of the Government of the United States. It has also to be borne in mind that it would be undesirable to publish at the present moment anything that might increase the chance of damage to British property at the hands of any of the contending parties in Mexico.

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he has any information he can give the House with regard to the death of a British suject in Mexico as reported, and what the Government propose to do?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I will put a question later on.

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask whether it is understood that redress will be sought from the United States in such matters, and not from General Huerta, as he is unable to prevent such occurrences?

Mr. ACLAND

That question might have arisen out of that which was not allowed to be put, but it does not arise out of the question on the Paper.