The British Empire had strong diplomatic relations with Mexico since 1824. When Texas seceded from Mexico, the Mexican government refused to recognize its sovereignty. The British Empire wanted to maintain its diplomacy with Mexico, thus denying recognition of the Republic of Texas. The British went so far as to supply the Mexican Navy with ironclad warships. At the same time, London ports were secretly accepting Texan goods. Of all the reasons for refusal of recognition, none were so important as the practice of slavery, which was outlawed throughout the British Empire but practiced in Texas, thus creating an ethical divide between the two nations, solidifying Britain's stance on the Texas sovereignty issue.