Our History
The following timeline and audio podcast are based on the document “The Origins and Early Days“, written in 1982 by Henry McKenzie Johnston, CB
Henry McKenzie Johnston CB
1938
Lazaro Cardenas Oil Expropriation
Tensions and break in relations
March 18: Mexico expropriates foreign oil companies, creating diplomatic tensions with Britain.
May 11: Britain demands immediate payment of a debt instalment from Mexico and criticises Mexico’s handling of debt.
May 13: Mexico pays the installment but withdraws their Minister from London as a diplomatic response.
May 20: Britain reciprocates by severing diplomatic relations with Mexico, marking a formal break in their relations.
1940
Mexican diplomat Ezequiel Padilla Peñaloza signing the United Nations Charter.
The first signals of reconciliation
May: Mexico signals its interest in restoring diplomatic relations with Britain, amid the evolving global political landscape of World War II.
December 7: Mexican Foreign Minister, Ezequiel Padilla, authorises J. Slater Hansen to communicate to Britain Mexico’s willingness to re-establish relations.
1941
Anthony Eden, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in 1941
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1955 - 1957
Building bridges amidst skepticism
January 16: Foreign Office receives Hansen’s message and expresses skepticism.
Later in January: Anthony Eden and R.A. Butler both show support for restoring relations with Mexico.
Throughout the year: The Mexican press, figures like Isidro Fabela and Indalecio Prieto, and the United States government advocate for reconciliation between Britain and Mexico.
September 29: Anthony Eden proposes resuming relations with Mexico to King George VI.
October 2: The King approves the proposal.
October 15: Britain formally approaches Mexico to discuss resuming diplomatic relations.
October 22: Public announcement of the resumption of diplomatic relations.
October 23: The Times publishes an article welcoming the resumption of relations.
November 21: The British Club in Mexico City hosts a dinner for Alfonso de Rosenzweig Diaz, the appointed Mexican envoy to London.
1942
3rd, left to right, Rosenzwieg Diaz, Mexican Ambassador to the UK
A new era of diplomacy and friendship
January 12: Rosenzweig Diaz arrives in London to a less than warm reception due to logistical issues.
January 21: Rosenzweig Diaz presents his Letters of Credence, marking the official re-establishment of relations.
February 10: Rosenzweig Diaz attends a luncheon hosted by the Foreign Office.
February 12: Rosenzweig Diaz is formally received Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
February 14: Anthony Eden sends a message to the Mexican Foreign Minister welcoming the new era in relations.
May 1: Rosenzweig Diaz formally proposes the creation of the British Mexican Society to the Foreign Office.
May 21: A group of Mexican intellectuals discuss the creation of the Anglo-Mexican Cultural Institute in Mexico City.
May 28: Mexico declares war on the Axis Powers, aligning more closely with the Allies.
June 2: Rosenzweig Diaz formally communicates Mexico’s declaration of war to Anthony Eden.
June 5: Inaugural meeting of the British Mexican Society held at the Mexican Legation in London. The Society sends a telegram to King George VI and Winston Churchill.
June 17: Anthony Eden welcomes the Society in a letter to the Chairman, J. B. Trend.
October 1: Bateman holds a meeting in Mexico City to discuss the statutes for the Anglo-Mexican Cultural Institute.
October 7: Charles Bateman presents his Letters of Credence in Mexico City, further solidifying diplomatic ties.
1943
The Anglo-Mexican Cultural Institute
Cultural foundations and educational ties
April: The Anglo-Mexican Cultural Institute begins selecting candidates for British Council Scholarships, marking the start of educational exchanges.
June: The Anglo-Mexican Cultural Institute is officially founded in Mexico City.
September: Rosenzweig Diaz proposes a reception for the British Foreign Secretary or Prime Minister.
September 28: First recorded Annual General Meeting of the British Mexican Society.
October 14: Anthony Eden attends a luncheon in his honor hosted by Rosenzweig Diaz.
1944
Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Strengthening bonds and honouring allies
June: Rosenzweig Diaz hosts a luncheon in honor of Winston Churchill, attended by representatives of all the Latin American belligerent countries.
After June: The Secretary of the British Mexican Society inquires about Churchill accepting honorary membership, which is ultimately declined.
Post 1944
The legacy of friendship and collaboration
November 1943 – February 1948: The British Mexican Society publishes the “British Mexican News,” a quarterly newsletter promoting cultural and diplomatic information.
December 1949: The Society holds its first dinner dance, a social tradition that marks a milestone in its cultural engagement activities.
March 1948 – February 1957: The Society publishes the “Mexican Bulletin,” a monthly publication featuring broader coverage.
February 1962 – July 1963: A new, glossy version of the British Mexican News is published with financial support from the Mexican Embassy.
