No. 346.
Mr. Evarts
to Mr. Foster.
Washington, February 20, 1879.
Sir: Your No. 883 of the 7th instant has been received, and the account it gives of the proceedings of the excursion party which recently visited Mexico from this country has been read with interest. The attainment of any very practical and lasting results in favor of enlarged commerce between the two countries by means of such a demonstration is open to doubt.
While the declarations of the Mexican Government in that direction are appreciated, it is felt that the first effective steps toward the desired end must be the insuring of the safety of the lives and property of citizens of the United States sojourning or doing business in Mexico, and the faithful observance of international obligations. Without these it is hardly to be expected that responsible capital from without will seek a legitimate field for its employment in Mexico.
I am, &c.,