Lord Lyons to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Her Majesty’s government have had under their consideration the proclamation of the President of the United States of the 18th February last, setting forth certain conditions under which trade may be carried on with the port of Brownsville, in Texas.
As her Majesty’s government understand this matter, it appears that the alleged blockade of Brownsville is at an end, but that certain commercial restrictions, stated to be required by the exigencies of the United States government, are still in force. It may be competent to the United States government to establish these restrictions, and enforce them impartially against all persons; but her Majesty’s government think that, at all events, the imposing such restrictions should be placed on its right footing, as an act of state necessity, and not be treated as an incident of the right of blockade.
Her Majesty’s government have, therefore, instructed me to intimate to the government of the United States their opinion, that the belligerent right of blockade cannot be lawfully enforced against neutrals by a belligerent who is in actual possession of the port alleged to be blockaded.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.