CONSULS’ INCIDENT

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 148, 10 March 1923, Page 5

CONSULS’ INCIDENT

REASONS FOR WITHDRAWING EXEQUATURS BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE FURTHER STATEMENT BY MR. HUGHES BY Telegraph.—Press Association. —COPYRIGHT. (Rec. Alarch 9, 7.15 p.m.) Washington, Alarch 8. The British Embassy has published the text of Lord Curzon’s last Note respecting the Newcastle Consuls’ incident, and a .statement explaining Britain’s attitude, that the withdrawal of tho exequaturs was in conformity with the 1815 commercial convention with the United States. Similar publication was made simultaneously in London. Mr. Hughes, tho Secretary of State, was informed of the intention to pubfish these papers, and also issued a statement outlining the American position, on siindar lines to his previous statement, and published the text of all correspondence with Britain on the subject. Air. Hughes stresses the position, in view of the fact that Britain allowed the charges against the consuls to become public, that it was incumbent on the United. States to investigate them carefully, and reiterated the conclusion that the men were innocent. Britain’s evidence was insufficient. , It is understood that the State Department has intimated that tho negotiations with Britain will not bo resumed unless tho initiative is taken by Britain. It is interesting to note that although the United States declined to accept Britain’s invitation to send identical notes of instruction to British and American consuls concerning the aid they might render the respective merchant marines until the Newcastle incident was settled, tho State Department in . December last nevertheless issued a circular to all its consular representatives instructing them to offer information concerning American ships only when inquiries were made, and not otherwise. —Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn. . [Air. Hughes, in his explanatory statement, said that Britain in January, 1922, ashed the United States to voluntarily withdraw Alessrs. Brooks and Slater, on the ground that they were attempting by unfair means to induce passengers to travel by American boats. The United States investigated tho matter, found that the charges were untrue, and refused to withdraw the consuls. Britain was asked to submit evidence to support the- charges, but declined to do so, and withdrew the consuls exequaturs. He added that Britain, declined to change her original position, reiterating that the information acted upon was accurate and adequate.]