THE MEXICAN MURDER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3574, 25 February 1914, Page 5

THE MEXICAN MURDER.

CHARGE AGAINST BENTON BY GENERAL VILLA.

STATEMENT BY SIR EDWARD GREY.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATir;- • ooptrighT] LONDON, Feb. 23. The -‘Daily Mail” has received a cable from General Villa stating: ‘‘An English subject, Benton, was put to death because he went into my room, and pulled out his revolver to kill me. When the time comes the trial will be open and should give full satisfaction to the British people.” Sir Edward Grey, in reply to a question, said that previous to Mr Benton’s execution, the United States had impressed upon the Mexican Government the importance of respecting the lives and properties of Europeans. The fact of the- Foreign Office communicating with the United States did not imply any American responsibility. He had communicated w'ith the United States because the Latter alone could exercise influence with Mexico to get justice done. Four Americans have disappeared from Jaurez. It is believed that General Villa has executed them. General Villa declares that numbers of Americans desired to join his forces, and he rejected them, but is returning them later to American territory.

Mr Bryan lias demanded that Mr Benton’s body be given to the widow.

VILLA INTERVIEWED.

“I HAVE NOTHING TO CONCEAL”

(Received February 24, 9.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 24. The Foreign Relations Committee had a conference with President Wilson in regard to the Benton case and arranged to Confer with the Senate behind closed doors over the Mexican question. It is understood in official circles that the United States will pass the facts relating to Benton over to Britain without comment. It is difficult to decide what action the United States will take, as unless she intervenes in Mexico she will be unable to bring General Villa to account.

Sir Cecil Spring-Rice (British Ambassador) had had frequent conferences with Mr Bryan (Secretary for State) regarding British refugees l . If General Villa wins an important pending battle around Tisseon, the United States is likely to consider the question of the rebels’ belligerency. General Villa, in an interview, reported from Mexico City, declared that Mr Benton, after being courtmartialled confessed that he attempted General Villa’s life. Villa’s quickness with his own revolver alone saved him.

He added: ‘‘l would execute any other foreigner under similar condition. I had nothing to conceal.”

“DAILY MAIL" DISAPPOINTED

SIR EDWARD GREY TAKEN TO

TASK

(Received Feb. 24, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 24

The “Daily Mail” considers Sir Edward Grey’s statement disappointing, and says it gave the impression of complete British helplessness. The paper thinks he should have pointed out that General Villa had no right „to court-martial a British subject, as Britain never recognised the belligerent standard. The paper adds: “Sir Edward Grey’s statement is an unsatisfactory assumption that under no possible circumstances can Britain take direct steps to bring home the responsibility for the death of a British subject. This 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 they will not consent to regard the murder as a negligible incident.”

THE POWERS’ DUTY

OPINION IN FRANCE:

(Received Feb. 24. 11.5 p.m.) PARIS,,Feb. 24. The newspapers, commenting on Mr Benton’s execution, intimate that if the United States is not able to assure Europeans’ safety, the Powers will have themselves to undertake the protection of their countrymen. It is estimated that France has four hundred million sterling invested in Mexican enterprises.