Mr. ERSKINEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he is aware that the Mexican Senate has adopted the principle set out in the Petro- 1448W leum Bill which seeks to make it compulsory on alien holders of land to either become naturalised Mexican citizens or in default to relinquish their holdings; and, in view of the serious consequences such legislation would have on British subjects, will he take such steps as may be possible to safeguard British interests?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI have not yet received information that the Bill which the hon. Member no doubt has in mind has been finally passed by the Mexican Senate. With the possible exception of agricultural holdings in certain frontier zones, it is not proposed, so far as I am aware, that foreigners, in order to acquire holdings of land, should become naturalised Mexican citizens, but merely that they should waive their rights to diplomatic protection in regard to such holdings. His Majesty's Government would not recognise unilateral waivers of this nature as being valid if made by British subjects. His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires has been assured, however, by the Mexican Government that in any case no waiver of this kind would be required from existing owners of holdings in companies operating in Mexico. The position of foreign agricultural companies under the new Bill is, however, not yet clear. I hope that here also it may be possible to provide satisfactorily in one form or another for the protection of existing British interests. His Majesty's Government are in close touch with His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Mexico City in regard to this question, and have already taken all steps that seem desirable to safeguard existing British interests affected by the proposed legislation.