No. 313.
Mr. Nelson to Mr. Fish.
Mexico, May 16, 1872. (Received May 31.)
Sir: Your dispatch No. 221, of February 13, 1872, calling my attention to the laws and foreign-office regulations of the Mexican government respecting the matriculation of foreigners in this country, was probably written under some misapprehension in regard to the action of the said government in granting or withholding certificates of citizenship to American residents.
Nevertheless, I submitted the contents of the dispatch to Mr. Mariscal, to avoid a possible misunderstanding on this subject in the future. I have applied to the department of foreign affairs for certificates of [Page 423] matriculation in behalf of a large number of American citizens residing in different parts of this republic, and in every instance, without exception, the proper certificate has been promptly granted.
In every case within my knowledge the passports issued by the Department of State of the United States have been respected, whether held by native or naturalized citizens, although this course is not in strict conformity with the letter of the Mexican law in regard to the matriculation of foreigners.
If the Mexican government should assume to inquire into the authenticity of certificates issued to naturalized citizens of the United States, and not respect the passports of the State Department issued to such citizens, I will at once address an earnest remonstrance and protest upon the subject to the Mexican minister of foreign affairs. In the meanwhile, I will endeavor to prevail upon the Mexican government to modify its rules of matriculation, so that they may be made to conform to your very just suggestions.
I am, &c.,