HC Deb 23 June 1924 vol 175 cc11-3
19. Lieut. - Colonel HOWARD - BURY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any further statement with regard to the situation in Mexico; and what steps His Majesty's Government are proposing to take?

41. Viscount CURZON

asked the Prime Minister what is the present position in Mexico as far as the British Legation and representative are concerned; and what action the Government intend to take?

45. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Prime Minister whether it is still his intention to send the proposed Mission to Mexico?

55. Mr. STRANGER

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further information to give to the House regarding the situation arising out of the Cummins-Evans controversy in Mexico; whether Mr. H. A. C. Cummins is still in the legation at Mexico City or in Mexican territory; whether the Prime Minister can give any information as to the present situation of Mrs. H. E. R. Evans and the confiscation of her property by the Mexican authorities or President and the excuse for such confiscation; whether he has made, or intends to make, any submission to the League of Nations with a view to reaching a settlement of the dispute arising out of the threatened violation by the Mexican authorities of the territorial rights in respect of His Majesty's Legation at Mexico City and the expropriation by the Mexican authorities of the property of Mrs. H. E. R. Evans and of the Silanas of Mexico Company, Limited; and, if not, what steps His Majesty's Government intends to take to prevent the present differences between the British and Mexican Governments becoming more serious?

The PRIME MINISTER

With regard to the general situation, I have nothing to add to the very full statement I made on Thursday last except that Mr. Cummins has left Mexico and has arrived in the United States and the United States Legation at Mexico City has taken charge of the British Legation House and archives; my latest information with regard to Mrs. Evans is contained in a telegram from Mr. Cummins of the 3rd June. The situation was then described as most critical. She and her servants were defending themselves on the roof of her house against large numbers of Agrarians, but the Ministry of War has promised to send relief. The farm has been expropriated on two separate grounds; (1) under the Agrarian Law, for national purposes, and (2) in order to provide communal lands. In neither case has any satisfactory offer of compensation been made according to my information. I am glad to say that there is now no question of the Mexican authorities entering the British Legation House. I do not feel that the ease of Mrs. Evans and of the Salinas of Mexico Company, Limited, are suitable for submission to the League of Nations.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

; Were not the differences between His Majesty's Government and the Mexican Government on the point of settlement when the unconditional recognition of Russia upset the whole agreement; what is the exact position to-day and have we completely broken off negotiations with Mexico?

The PRIME MINISTER

With regard to the first part of he supplementary question, my hon. and gallant Friend is totally misinformed; with regard to the second part, I think it would be premature for me to make up my mind as to what should be done, until I have had the advantage of an interview with Mr. Cummins.

Mr. R. McNEILL

Do I understand that the latest news with regard to Mrs. Evans is three weeks old: and is it not possible to obtain more recent information?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have asked for it. I am sorry to say the information we have is three weeks old.

Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there are grave reports in the American papers this morning concerning the safety of Mrs. Evans; and can he do anything to expedite, at any rate the obtaining of information as to the safety of a British subject?

The PRIME MINISTER

I can assure the House I had done so before the American newspapers published any reports at all.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman making representations to the American Government to use their good offices there, in order to see that a British woman is protected?

Sir W. DAVISON

Will the right hon. Gentleman hold some one responsible for the life of this British citizen? Is anything being done; are we assured the Government are alive to the necessity of protecting the life of a British citizen and that somebody will be held responsible if her life is forfeited?