Lerdo de Tejada to R. T. C. Middleton, December 11, 1867

Señor Lerdo de Tejada to Mr. Middleton.

Sir: I have the honor to send you the passports requested for yourself and company, in your note of the 8th instant. You say the reasons for such instructions from the government of her Britannic Majesty are because of the resolutions of the Mexican government not to have any communication with the agents of the powers that recognized the so-called government of the Archduke Maximilian.

The position of the government of Mexico, in relation to those powers, has been caused by no voluntary act of its chief; those powers decided to put an end to the friendly relations with the Mexican republic, by expelling it from the society of nations. The republic exisists by the will of the Mexican people, and its government is ready to renew relations with all foreign powers, so soon as they will make proposals in just and proper terms.

The government will see that English subjects residing in Mexico are protected by the laws of the country. During the war there was no complaint in any part of the country subject to the authorities of the republic; and since the close of the foreign intervention the government has heard of no cause of complaint anywhere.

As it has always done, the government of the republic will comply with the precepts of the law of nations, and will see that its own laws are properly executed.

The escort you ask for will be furnished when you are ready to start.

With the greatest consideration, I have the honor to be your obedient servant,