35. Major LOWTHERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the post of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the; Republic of Mexico is still vacant; and, if so, whether he can state the reason?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe reply to the first part of the question put by my hon. and gallant Friend is in the affirmative. As regards the second, His Majesty's Government are not prepared to consider making this appointment until they are satisfied that there is such an improvement in the attitude of the Mexican Government towards British interests as will justify a recognition of that Government.
36. Major LOWTHERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with a view to showing the desire of His Majesty's Government to maintain cordial relations with the smaller as well as the larger Spanish-American Republics, he will consider granting the local rank of Chargéd 'Affaires to the Consuls- General in Honduras and Nicaragua and the Consuls in Costa Rica and Salvador?
Mr. HARMSWORTHAccording to the existing practice, His Majesty's Minister in Guatemala also holds the posts of Minister as well as Consul-General in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador. His Majesty's Minister in Panama in like manner holds the posts of Minister and Consul-General in Costa Rica. The two latter posts are at present in abeyance, as His Majesty's Government have not recognised the present Government of Costa Rica.
Major LGWTHERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, while we have a Minister in Cuba who looks after our interests in San Domingo, we have also a Chargéd' Affaires in Hayti and San Domingo, and is there any reason why these Republics should not be treated in the same way as the Republic: of San Domingo?