HC Deb 16 May 1938 vol 336 cc36-8
Lieut.-Commander Fletcher (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make concerning the decision of Mexico to sever diplomatic relations with this country and what action it is proposed to take.

Mr. Butler

On nth May His Majesty's Government presented a note to the Mexican Government in which they requested payment of an instalment provided for in the Anglo-Mexican Special Claims Convention which was now some months overdue, particularly as the Mexican Government had punctually discharged a similar debt to the United States Government. His Majesty's Government also considered it material to draw attention to the general state of Mexican Government indebtedness both internal and external in view of recent Mexican Government action in incurring a heavy additional liability by expropriating the foreign-owned oilfields in Mexico on the basis of a promise to pay full and adequate compensation which must amount to a very large sum. On 14th May, following the payment of the sum requested, the Mexican Minister in London delivered a note to His Majesty's Government stating that, in consideration of their attitude towards the Mexican Government in regard to the expropriation of the oilfields, he had been instructed to close the Legation and to leave the country. The note added that the Mexican Consul-General in London would assume charge of the archives without diplomatic status. In view of this communication, His Majesty's Minister at Mexico City informed the Mexican Government on the same day that His Majesty's Government had decided to withdraw him from Mexico with his diplomatic staff and to place His Majesty's Legation in the charge of a consular officer. His Majesty's Government can only express their surprise and regret at the decision of the Mexican Government. I cannot at present forecast any further action which may be taken, but His Majesty's Government will naturally continue to use their best endeavours to protect the substantial British commercial interests in Mexico.

Mr. Bellenger

Did I hear the hon. Member correctly that His Majesty's Government had called the Mexican Government's attention to the internal expenditure of that country? Is that customary in diplomatic notes? Is it not a breach of diplomatic etiquette?

Mr. Butler

In view of the liabilities incurred by the Mexican Government His Majesty's Government thought it was material to draw attention to the internal indebtedness as well as to the external indebtedness of the Mexican Government, as both these facts would affect their ability to pay.

Mr. Attlee

May I ask whether at any time the Government of the United States of America called the attention of His Majesty's Government to their internal indebtedness?

Mr. David Grenfell

Will the Under-Secretary inform the House whether His Majesty's Government were equally prompt of making similar representations to Italy, who owe us commercial debts for coal, and who are incurring internal debts as well?

Mr. Maxton

Does the hon. Member think it is worth while to add another to the hostile nations of this country for the sake of a few thousand pounds?

Mr. Thurtle

Does the hon. Member think that a Note which contained offensive and hectoring phrases is likely to conduce to good feeling?

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is it the case that the specific reason given by the Mexican Government for breaking off diplomatic relations is the attitude taken up by His Majesty's Government in regard to the oilfields of Mexico?

Mr. Butler

The specific point on which the action was taken was in regard to the expropriation of the oilfields and His Majesty's Government's attitude in regard to that.

Mr. H. G. Williams

In connection with these negotiations, has my hon. Friend received any information from the Mexican Government that they were satisfied that, whatever they did, they would have the support of the Opposition in this country?

Mr. A. Henderson

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance to the House that His Majesty's Government will not allow any considerations of amour proper to stand in the way of their attempting to secure an early and friendly settlement of this regrettable dispute?

Mr. Butler

I hope that any efforts we make will be supported in all quarters of the House.

Mr. De la Bère

Is not the attitude of the Mexican Government thoroughly unsatisfactory?