Pereda to Frederick Hooricks, Chargé d’ Affaires of his Majesty the King of Belgium, April 10, 1867

Senor Pereda to Mr. Hooricks

The undersigned, assistant secretary of the department of foreign affairs, during the indisposition of his excellency the minister, and as he had the honor to announce in his communication dated 7th instant, addressed to his excellency the minister of his Majesty, dean of the diplomatic corps, has made report to his excellency the president of the department charged by the government with the collective note dated 6th of the same, relative to the anticipations which, in exchange for bills on Vera Cruz, the government has been obliged to ask for from various landed proprietors and merchants at this capital, among whom it is supposed may be some Belgian subjects, because Mr. Hooricks is one of the signers of that note.

His excellency being informed of the contents of that note, has thought proper to decide, in concert with the council of ministers, that it be said in reply to the chargé d’affaires of Belgium, that the present circumstances of the empire are notoriously such as to make necessary the exceptional measures that have been dictated, so that it cannot fall back from them at this moment, and that if there has been any excess in executing them, not occasioned by undue and disrespectful insubordination, the government will instruct its agents to conduct themselves with favor toward foreigners, provided they manifest, at the same time, the obedience and respect due to the public authority.

Such is the conclusion which the undersigned has order to transmit to the chargé d’affaires of Belgium.

The undersigned avails of the occasion to assure the chargé d’affaires of his Majesty the King of Belgium of his distinguished consideration.