No. 465.
Mr. Fish
to Mr. Foster.
Washington, February 16, 1874.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 99, of the 27th ultimo, relative to the raising of the consular flag in Mexico, has been received. This is a matter subject to municipal law, unless a privilege in respect to it should have been granted by treaty. We have no other privilege than that of equality with other nations, which will always be insisted on. It appears, [Page 731] however, that the authorities at the city of Mexico have overlooked a strict observance of the law, by allowing consuls to display their flags on holidays of their respective nations. This, it seems to me, is as much as may be needed. If, however, they should at any time think proper to withdraw this indulgence, it is clear that we cannot insist upon its continuance as a matter of right.
I am, &c.,