§ 2. Major CHRISTOPHER LOWTHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any-written or verbal undertaking by His Majesty's Government to the Government of the United States of America regarding the policy to be pursued towards Mexico; and, if so, what is the nature of the undertaking?
§ 3. Major C. LOWTHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet made himself acquainted with the agreement concluded between the International Committee of Bondholders and the Mexican Finance Minister in New York?
§ 4. Lieut.-Colonel NALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the reported arrangement for the settlement of the obligations of Mexico; and can he say whether the British-owned railways are included in the suggested settlement?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe International Committee are a purely private body and are under no obligation to inform His Majesty's Government of their proceedings, which accordingly in no way affect the responsibilities of His Majesty's Government. The Committee have not furnished any information about the agreement which has been reported in the Press, but inquiries are being made.
§ Major LOWTHERIn view of the fact that on several occasions the hon. Gentleman has said it is important to know how British interests stand in Mexico, would it not be worth the while of the Foreign Office to make inquiries very speedily as to the nature of this agreement? Would it not be possible to get a copy of it in a few hours to-day?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThat is a matter entirely for this private Committee, which I have no doubt will furnish any information as may be desired.
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLCan I have an answer to the last part of my question?
Mr HARMSWORTHThat is one of the matters in regard to which we are making inquiries. The constitution of the Committee includes bankers, but I am not specifically informed whether the railways are included in the suggested settlement.