PANAMA CANAL TOLLS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 314, 11 December 1912, Page 5

PANAMA CANAL TOLLS.

SIR EDM’A RD GREY’S PROTEST

Washington, Dec. 10. Sir Edward Grey’s despatch to Mr Bryce declares that Great Britain has no desire to embarrass the I nited States, but simply to urge the fulfilment of treaty obligations to the Powers. By the ClaytonBulwar treaty the United States agreed not to obtain exclusive control of the canal. The Hay-Paunce-fote treaty gave the United States liberty of action on condition that equal treatment was guaranteed to ships of all nations. If any section of shipping did not pay tolls foreign shipping would necessarily be affected and particularly British shipping. If thft Hav-Pauncefote treaty only -cc,;>•/-.- most iavourerl nation treatment the value Ct the consideration rnven for superseding the Clayton-Bnlw-p.r treatv is not apparent

It H ent’s despatch presumes that the provision forruddinsr ships owned by railway compumrs to use the canal only applies to the I. nited btates. While convinced of the correctness of the British interpretation, Sir Edward Grey offers arbitration. TAFT URGED TD KEEP FAITH. Washington, Dec. 10. After Mr Bryce had presented the note relating to the Panama Canal, Mr. Knox promised that it would receive close attention. Official circles declare that Air. Taft intends to settle the question before closing his administration, and either ask the Senate to agree to arbitration or negotiate a settlement directly- with Great Britain.

A petition is being numerously signed by university professors and presidents, and business and professional men, asking Air. Taft to keep faith on the matter, even if it means a less cf commercial advantages. The petition asserts that the United States would he the first to resent a breach of’ solemn engagement by a foreign Power.

TAFT WILLING TO ARBITRATE. (Received 11. 11.5 a.m.) Washington, Dec. 10. Mr. Taft is understood to be willing to arbitrate concerning the Panama Canal dispute. A special arbitration agreement will be necessary between the two nations subject to the American Senate’s approval. If the Senate does not approve, the question is likely to be indefinitely postponed. THE SENATE’S THREAT. (Received 11. 10.30 a.m.) London, Dec. 10. The "Westminster Gazette,” commenting on the Washington references to the Panama Canal, says:— "We are actually told if arbitration is demanded that the Senate will refuse to renew the Hay-Pauneefote treaty when the time arrives.”