finally disposed of the subject for the present

session. He stated that then the British and

French Governments would be willing, if Texas

desired to remain independent, to settle the

whole matter by a "Diplomatic Act": this

diplomatic act in which Texas would of

course participate would

ensure peace and settle boundaries between

Texas and Mexico, guarantee the separate

independence of Texas, etc., etc; The American

Government would be invited to participate

in the "Act" as one of the parties guaranteeing

&c. equally with the European Governments;

that Mexico, as I think I clearly understood

his Lordship, would be invited to become a

party to the Diplomatic Act, and in case

of her refusal, would be forced to submit

to its decisions: and lastly, in case of the

infringement of the terms of settlement by

either of the parties, to wit, Texas or Mexico,

the other parties would be authorized under

the Diplomatic Act, to compel the infringing

party to a compliance with the terms.

Lord Aberdeen did not as I remember

use the word Treaty, but employed the

phrase Diplomatic Act. It would, however,

have all the obligations of a treaty, and the

rights of all parties under it would of

course be perpetual. I say, of course, for