They sue in Texas state court alleging state-law causes of action such as negligence, intentional tort, and nuisance. Coppercorp removes to federal court in relevant Texas district. The Uruguayan government has filed a letter with the State Department and an amicus brief with the court supporting the litigation on the ground that the prospect of accountability in U.S. court for the activities of U.S. corporations in Uruguay makes the government's economic development program much more politically palatable to the Uruguayan electorate. The Uruguayan government negotiated a contract with Coppercorp to induce it to open a major smelting plant in Uruguay, offering it tax holidays and other incentives. The government also extensively regulates the mining industry.
Plaintiffs challenge the petition for removal based on lack of federal subject matter jurisdiction.
Chinabank is authorized to do business under Hong Kong law and conducts its business in Hong Kong. Chinabank extended credit to Speedyshoe, a Hong Kong business. These two officials now claim that they were deceived by Speedyshoe into signing the guarantees. Speedyshoe U.S.A. defaulted in Hong Kong and now contests enforcement of the judgment on the ground that Hong Kong is not an adequate alternate forum. In response, Chinabank has introduced a copy of the treaty between Britain and China on the status of Hong Kong, a binding international treaty.