In brief
The FBI has successfully returned a valuable manuscript signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, dating back to 1527, to Mexico. This document, outlining payment records for supplies related to Cortés' expeditions, was part of a collection stolen from Mexico's national archives between 1985 and 1993.
The manuscript was discovered in the United States and handed back to Mexico as part of an ongoing effort to reclaim lost cultural properties. Cortés' exploration marked a significant period leading to the colonization of the Americas and greatly impacted the course of history. The repatriation aligns with rising U.S.-Mexico diplomatic relations, despite recent tensions over tariffs and immigration issues.Despite the significance of the document, no one will face legal repercussions for its theft, as it changed ownership multiple times prior to its recovery. The FBI's art crime team continues to work on identifying and returning other missing pages from this important collection.
