TREATY OF CORDOVA. 253 



ther country, or to demand their passports, (which 

 cannot be denied them,) for permission to leave 

 the kingdom at such time as may be appointed 

 before-hand, carrying with them their families 

 and property ; but paying on the latter the regu- 

 lar export duties now in force, or which may here- 

 after be established by the competent authority. 



16th, The option granted in the foregoing 

 article shall not extend to persons in public situ- 

 ations, whether civil or military, known to be dis- 

 affected to Mexican independence ; such persons 

 shall necessarily quit the empire within the time 

 which shall be allotted by the regency, taking 

 with them their effects, after having paid the du- 

 ties, as stated in the preceding article. 



" 17th, The occupation of the capital by the 

 Peninsular troops being an obstacle to the execu- 

 tion of this treaty, it is indispensable to have it 

 removed. But as the Commander-in-chief of the 

 imperial army, fully participating in the sentiments 

 of the Mexican nation, does not wish to attain 

 this object by force, for which, however, he has 

 more than ample means at his command, notwith- 

 standing the known valour and constancy of the 



