PBA Galleries

Six pages & eight pages, in Spanish, on letterhead of the "Primera Secretaria de Estado - Ultramar" (Department of State and Overseas). Each signed by Isidro Wall - Interim Director General. 21.5x15.5 cm. (8½x6¼").

Official reports from Spain on debates amongst the British relating to slavery and the slave trade, each addressed to the Governor Captain General of Cuba. The first relates to the decision of the French government to introduce free black men in their colonies (which was felt might revive the slave trade), with a proposal to send a message to the [British] Queen in order to deter this type of practice among her subjects as well as the purchase of slaves. The second document is a follow-up, and relates more specifically to Cuba, with MP Buxton calling for decisive action be taken against Spain in the same way that it was taken against Brazil. The document further relates that "Lord Palmerston considered this motion useful and references were made to the Spanish lack of adherence to international treaties and the greed of the Cuban authorities. He also stated that the Spanish situation was not identical to Brazil’s, indicating that the British government would redouble its efforts to make Spain adhere to the international treaties." Translations of both documents available on request.