§ 25. Captain BERKELEYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that important British commercial interests are being jeopardised by the disagreement between this country and Mexico; whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that, in order to safeguard those interests, diplomatic intercourse should subsist between the two countries, and that a British representative of authoritative status should be in residence at Mexico City: whether a British subject has charge of British interests in the absence of Mr. Cummins, and, if so, who; and whether anything can be done to expedite the departure of the Hohler mission with a view to negotiating an amicable settlement of the questions outstanding between the two countries?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt was my desire to remove obstacles in the way of appointing a fully accredited representative to Mexico, but, as I have already fully explained to the House, the attitude adopted by the Mexican Government towards Mr. Cummins has had the effect of delaying the departure of Sir T. Hohler's mission. British interests in Mexico are now in the hands of the United States Embassy, but Mr. King, His Majesty's Consul-General, remains at his post. As I have already stated. I feel unable to come to any decision with regard to the future arrangements in Mexico until I have an opportunity of discussing the whole situation with Mr. Cummins.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am informed that Mr. Cummins was sailing from New York on the 5th inst.
§ Captain BERKELEYIs it not a fact that the reprehensible conduct of the Mexican Government has been greatly exceeded by the conduct of the Russian Government towards British representatives, and is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the commercial interests involved in the Mexican case are more important than in the case of Russia?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the latter question is, "Certainly," and that is why I am so anxious to settle the matter. The answer to the former question is, "Not quite the same."
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it better that we should not jeopardise British commercial interests by entering into any commercial arrangements with the Mexican Government until he is himself certain that the Mexican Government can fulfil its obligations and carry out its agreements with this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have said that before coming to any conclusion at all I should like to have a thorough exploration of the situation with Mr. Cummins. Then I must use my own judgment, the conclusion of which I shall report to this House.