HC Deb 02 November 1938 vol 340 c185
6. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the present relationship of Mexico with this country?

9. Sir John Mellor

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further information to give with regard to the treatment by the Mexican Government of British interests in the Mexican oilfield?

Mr. Butler

As the hon. Members are aware, the Mexican Government broke off diplomatic relations with His Majesty's Government in May, 1938, and these relations are still suspended. His Majesty's Government have always regretted the action of the Mexican Government in this respect. But that Government show no signs of reconsidering their attitude towards the British oil properties which they expropriated, and His Majesty's Government cannot but recognise that under these circumstances a restoration of normal relations is impracticable, and unlikely to benefit British interests.

Mr. Henderson

Does that mean that the British Government are not going to do anything until the Mexican Government take the first steps?

Mr. Butler

I think it is for the Mexican Government to alter their attitude in this matter.