BENTON'S CASE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 47, 25 February 1914, Page 7

BENTON'S CASE

IN U.S. PARLIAMENTARY LOBBIES APPREHENSION & INDIGNATION TALK OF INTERVENTION. (By Telegraph.— Press Association.— Copyright.) (Times— Sydney Sun Special Cables.) (Received February 25, 8.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, 24th February. The lobbies are humming with apprehension and indignation concerning Benton's death. The consensus of comment is that' America must investigate the tragedy carefully. There is a tendency to believe that intervention by the United States has been rendered practically inevitable. (Press Association.) WHAT BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS DONE REQUEST TO UNITED STATES. ' BRiriSH CONSUL TO ENQUIRE. (Received February 25, 11 a.m.) LONDON, 24th February. In. the House of Commons, Sir Edward Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in reply to Mr. "Bonar Law (Leader of the Opposition) said the Government had asked the United States to inform Villa of the feeling that had been created in Britain. He also considered it indispensable that the British Consul should visit Jaurez and supply the Government with the most adequate report on the execution of Benton ENGLISH PRESS VIEWS IMPRESSION GIVEN OF BRITISH HELPLESSNESS. "COOL PHILOSOPHY." LONDON, 24th February. The Daily Mail (Unionist) referring to the statement by Sir Edward Grey (Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs) in the House of Commons regarding the execution of Mr. Benton and Britain's intentions, says: — "Sv Edward Grey's statement * was disappointing, and gave the impression of complete British helplessness. It should be pointed out that Villa had no right to court-martial a British subject, as Britain never recognised the belligerents' standing. Sir Edward Grey's statement was unsatisfactory, ' and his assumption that in no possible circumstances can Britain take direct steps to bring home responsibility for the death of a British subject goes far beyond the average Briton's idea of our disinterestedness towards Mexico. Sir Edward Grey seems to be inclined to treat the murder with a cool philosophy altogether out of harmony with the nation's feelings. Englishmen do not wish to embarrass Washington, but will not consent to regard the murder as a negligible incident." FRENCH COMMENTS PROTECTION OF FOREIGNERS IN MEXICO. POWERS' UNDERTAKING. PARIS, 24th February. The newspapers, commenting on Benton's execution, intimate that if the States is unable to assure Europeans' safety in Mexico, the Powers will have themselves to undertake the protection of their countrymen. It is estimated that France has £400,000,000 invested in Mexican enterprises. " PURE FOLLY " TO RISK A CONFLICT WITH BRITAIN. (Times— Sydney Sun Special Cable*.) (Received February 25, 8.30 a.m.) PARIS, 24th February. The French press gravely insists that it would be pure folly for President Wilson to risk a conflict with Britain by humouring Villa, and maintains that French interests require protection. UNITED STATES' POSITION A CONFERENCE WITH CLOSED DOORS. A DIFFICULT MATTER. WASHINGTON, 23rd February. The foreign Relations Committee conferred with President Wilson in regard to the Benton case, and arranged to confer with the Senate behind closed doorsovel' the Mexican question. It is understood in official circles that the United States will pass the facts relating to Mr. Benton over to Britain without comment. It is difficult to decide what action the United States should take, as unless it intervenes, Mexico will be unable to bring Villa, the rebel leader, to account. Sir C. Spring Rice (British Ambassador) has had frequent conferences with Mr. Bryan (United States Secretary" of State) regarding the British refugees. If General villa wins an important pending battle around Torreon, the United States will -most likely consider the question of the rebels' belligerency in Mexico City. General Villa, in an interview, declared that Mr. Benton, after being court-martialled, confessed that he attempted Villa's life. General Villa further says that his quickness with his own revolver alone saved him. He added that he would execute any other foreigner in similar conditions, and that he had nothing to conceal. VILLA TELLS HIS STORY. ACCUSES BENTON OF CRIMES. AN AMERICAN EXECUTED. (Received February 25, 1 p.m.) EL PASO, 24th February. Villa has telegraphed to the American authorities that Benton had been guilty of four muideis. and had frequently committed thefts of cattle. Benton had attempted to assassinate him ; therefore he had _ duly executed him according to martial law. Villa declared that he was ready to give an account of the execution- to the entire world. An American citizen named Vergara was hanged by the Federal tioops after an American request for his release had been forwarded. — — —— ■ —