Convention of London (1861) facts for kids

The Convention of London was an important agreement. It was signed by France, Spain, and the United Kingdom on October 31, 1861. The main goal of this treaty was to get Mexico to pay back money it owed to these European countries.

This agreement went against the Monroe Doctrine. This was a rule that said European countries should not interfere in the Americas. However, the United States could not stop them. This was because the U.S. was busy fighting its own American Civil War.

The treaty led the three countries to send troops to Mexico. They wanted to force Mexico to repay its debts. But France soon made very strong demands. Spain and Britain realized France wanted to control Mexico. They saw France wanted to turn Mexico into a "puppet state." So, Spain and Britain pulled their troops out. They quickly made new agreements with Mexico. These allowed Mexico to delay debt payments for a long time. The conflict that followed is known as the Second French intervention in Mexico. It is also called the Maximilian Affair or the Franco-Mexican War.

Why the Convention of London Happened

The Convention of London was not the first time these countries talked about Mexico. In 1860, France, Spain, Britain, and Prussia had a meeting. They warned Mexico that they might step in if its government did not improve. They also asked the United States to help solve Mexico's problems.

Mexico was in a difficult situation. Its political groups were fighting each other. This led to a six-year civil war. The country became bankrupt, meaning it had no money. Both sides in the civil war borrowed money. They tried to cover their costs in any way they could.

One side, the conservatives, led by Miguel Miramón, took a bad loan. It was from a company called Jecker and Company. This loan later became a big reason for France's claims against Mexico. Miramón also took money from a British deposit. This money was meant for British bondholders.

The other side, the liberals, led by Benito Juárez, also took money illegally. They seized money belonging to European merchants. Juárez returned some of it and promised to pay interest later. After the liberals won the civil war, Juárez expelled the Spanish minister. He also seized a Spanish ship. In 1861, Mexico failed to repay the money it had taken. The Mexican government then stopped all debt payments for two years.

What European Countries Claimed

European countries had many reasons for their claims against Mexico.

Britain's Financial Claims

Britain's claims went back to 1851. Mexico had agreed to pay 5 million pesos with interest. By the time of the London Convention, this debt was smaller. But the interest rates had gone up.

Spain's Financial Claims

Spain and Mexico had settled an old claim of 983,000 pesos. Mexico also owed Spain more money from a new fund. This fund was set up two years later.

Don Pacheco was the Spanish Minister to Mexico who was expelled. His expulsion was one reason for Spain's claims.

France's Financial Claims

France also had agreements with Mexico from 1851 and 1853. These claims added up to about 1.7 million pesos.

France also claimed money for its citizens living in Mexico. These were individual claims. For example, a tailor in Mexico City was stabbed. A bootmaker was robbed and hurt. Relatives of a Frenchman were killed. A hotel owner was robbed twice. A farmer was killed. A coach driver was kidnapped for money. A bookseller was murdered. There were many other cases of French people being robbed or mistreated.

Spain also had similar claims. These included the killing of five Spanish citizens. Spain also wanted its minister back in Mexico. And it wanted its ship, La Concepción, returned.

When all claims were added up, France wanted 10 million pesos. This included the Jecker loan. However, the Jecker loan became suspicious. A letter showed that the Jecker family and a French duke had personal interests in the loan. This made people question if the loan was fair.

The United States' Position

The United States thought most of these European claims were unfair. They only thought Britain's claims were reasonable. The U.S. government even offered to help Mexico pay its overdue debts. But the European countries said no to this offer.

The U.S. stayed neutral in the conflict. But it said it could send troops to Mexico if its citizens or businesses were in danger. The U.S. Navy set up a blockade in the Gulf of Mexico. This was to protect trade routes and important ports.

There were a few close calls between U.S. and British ships. These incidents could have led to a war between the two nations. Because of this, Britain decided to reduce its naval presence. Britain did not want to fight with the United States.

What the Treaty Said

The Convention of London treaty had an introduction and five main parts. Here are the key points:

• Joint Expedition: The countries would send a joint expedition. Their goal was to take control of Mexico's important ports. These ports were key because customs money from them was used to pay international debts.
• No Special Gains: None of the countries could gain land, political power, or extra money from Mexico. They also could not interfere in Mexico's internal affairs. They could not try to overthrow the government or violate the rights of Mexican people.
• Debt Commission: A group of three people would be set up. Their job was to make sure the claims were enforced. They would also oversee how the money was repaid.
• Invitation to the U.S.: The United States was formally invited to join the agreement. But joining could not delay the operation.

Plans Before Taking Veracruz

This image shows Veracruz, the city where the Allied forces met.

Before the Allied forces landed in Mexico, they made some plans. These plans were not part of the main treaty.

• French Safety: The French consul and commander in Veracruz had to be told before any attack. This was to protect French citizens in the city.
• Equal Forces: The occupying forces should be half Spanish and half French.
• Controlling Money: The main goal was to control Mexico's public money. This included custom houses and other income. An allied group would oversee this money. It would be sealed until the commanders arrived.
• Protecting Buildings: Forts, defenses, and public buildings should not be destroyed. Destruction should only happen if absolutely necessary for self-defense.
• No Trade Impact: The Spanish naval blockade of Veracruz should not stop French ships from trading.
• Spanish Consults Napoleon III: After taking Veracruz, the Spanish commander had to talk to Napoleon III before moving further into Mexico or starting peace talks.
• French Possessions: All French property in Mexico had to remain safe.
• British Commander's Rights: Commodore Dunlop, the British navy commander, had equal rights. But he could choose not to fight if his government did not approve.

See also

In Spanish: Convención de Londres para niños

• Monroe Doctrine