Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/241

Rh vicinity, in order to be able to exercise your functions as minister plenipotentiary of the United States to the Mexican republic. We cannot positively know the course which Prince Maximilian will decide on taking in case of a partial or complete evacuation of Mexico; nor can we determine beforehand the course which M. Juarez, the president of the Mexican republic, will adopt under like circumstances.

We are informed that various political parties exist in Mexico besides those of which President Juarez and Prince Maximilian are the respective heads: these various parties entertain conflicting opinions touching the most prompt and suitable means for restoring the peace, order, and civil government of the republic.

We do not know what these different parties will do after the evacuation; in short, it is impossible to foresee the conduct of the Mexican people when this event becomes known.

For the above reasons it is impossible to give you precise instructions as to the line of conduct which you should pursue in carrying out the high mission which the government of the United States has confided to you. Much must be left to your personal judgment, and you must take as your basis the political movements which the future may produce. There are, however, certain principles which, in our opinion, must guide the political conduct which the government of the United States looks for from you. The first of these principles is that, as representative of the United States, you are accredited to the Republican government of Mexico of which M. Juarez is president.

Your communications as American representative must be addressed to him in whatever place he may be, and, at all events, you will be unable to recognise officially either the Prince Maximilian, who claims to be emperor of Mexico, or any other person, chief, or commission, carrying on the executive power in Mexico, without having previously referred to my department, and without receiving the instructions of the President of the United States.

Secondly, in case the commanders of the French army and fleet carry out in good faith the agreement for the evacuation of Mexico before the time fixed, the engagement that you must make under this supposition is, that neither the United