Mr. Seward to Mr. Koerner.
Sir: In your despatch of March 20, No. 82, you mention the probability that the Archduke Maximilian, on assuming the title of Emperor over Mexico, [Page 17] will accredit a representative to the court of her Catholic Majesty, and you ask directions how to regulate your conduct towards the person who may be so accredited.
It is the policy of the United States to refrain from recognizing revolutionary governments. It has not recognized any revolutionary government in Mexico, while it has justly respected the belligerent rights of the parties engaged in war in that country. You will, of course, follow the policy which prevails here; and you will hold no official intercourse with any representative at Madrid of any revolutionary government that has been or shall be established against the authority of the government of the United States of Mexico, with which alone the United States are maintaining diplomatic relations.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Gustavus Koerner, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Madrid.