MEXICAN MURDER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15548, 4 March 1914, Page 9

MEXICAN MURDER.

THE FATE. OF BENTON. : SITUATION COMPLICATED. SNUB TO UNITED STATES. PRESIDENT ANXIOUS. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright (Received March 3, 11.20 p.m.) Washington, March 2. ■ No examination has yet been made of Benton's body by the commission consisting of the British Consul and several medical officers pending the outcome of Notes between General Carranza (leader 01 the Mexican Constitutionalists) and the United States. These followed General Carranza's statement that Great Britain and not the United States should deal with him concerning Benton's death, thus giving a broad intimation that all communications on international affairs should be addressed to him and not to General Villa.

This has greatly complicated the situation, and has caused a postponement of the exhumation of the dead body.

The President (Mr. Wilson) in receiving prominent callers yesterday, gave the impression that he fully. realised the gravity of the Mexican situation. He pointedly referred to the fact that certain eventualities might mean a drastic course. It is understood that if Britain allows Benton's case to await adjudication until a stable Government is established in Mexico, the United States will agree to that course. Mr. Wilson emphasised that foreign nations had no right to demand that the United States should look after their subjects, neither could they demand it. If General Carranza insists on the right not to deal with any Government in the interests of any other Government, a very grave situation will be produced, in which the United States will be compelled to take action.