§ 8 and 9. Mr. Porrittasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is considering the possibility of joint action with the United States Government to prevent the entry of oil from British and American concessions which have been arbitrarily confiscated by the Mexican Government into British or American ports or territories;
(2) having regard to the recent expropriation of foreign oil interests in Mexico, whether he has any information concerning the intention of the Mexican Government to expropriate other mining and industrial investments owned by foreign interests in Mexico; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard British investments in that country?
§ 19. Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyleasked the Prime Minister whether the British Government propose to take any action in view of the expropriation by the Mexican Government of the property of 1616 the Mexican Eagle Company shareholders?
§ 20. Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister whether he has any further information respecting recent events in Mexico, particularly as affecting British subjects and British financial and commercial interests?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government have under consideration the various steps which it might be open to them to take in order to deal with the situation which has arisen. His Majesty's Minister in Mexico City is keeping us fully informed, and we are in close touch with the British interests concerned. Hon. Members may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will do their best to safeguard British investments in Mexico, but in the meantime I may refer them to an assurance on the part of the President of Mexico reproduced in the Press of 23rd March that the expropriation methods taken against foreign oil interests would not be extended to other industries.
§ Mr. PorrittWill my hon. Friend consider making a discrimination against the sale of stolen commodities in this country in favour of those which are imported under legitimate trade?