MEXICAN EVASIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15549, 5 March 1914, Page 7

MEXICAN EVASIONS.

THE FATE OF BENTON.

BRITAIN NOT SATISFIED. CONCEALMENT OF TRUTH. REPARATION REQUIRED. By Telegraph—Tress Association -Copyright. j (Received March 1, 11.5 p.m.) ! London, March 4. j All efforts had failed to secure an I investigation of the facts in connection with Benton's death, said Sir J Edward Grey (Foreign Secretary) j in the House of Commons last night. J Persistent difficulties had been offered, and there was the strongest i presumption fur a desire on the part of the responsible persons to conceal the truth. The United States had shown every desire to secure, the protection of British subjects. Replying to Mr. Bonar Law, Sir Edward stated that several Americans had been killed in Mexico, adding: "If the United States thinks it proper to take steps on behalf of her own subjects or British we will gladly await the result, otherwise we reserve the right to secure reparation, but we have no intention of sending a force or blockading a port." He added that Britain did not intend to let the matter rest. Sir Edward Grey's speech has created a good impression at Washington. The opinion is growing that Mr. Wilson will eventually be compelled to abandon his waiting policy, and that he has been disillusioned regarding Generals Ua--ranza and Villa, but dreads sacrificing lives in quelling the anarchy in Mexico. It is reported that General Carranza has summoned a meet ing of the Cabinet to discuss tl, l Benton incident. General Carranza declares that Britain has no rights in the case of Benton. He holds that Britiin, having recognised General Huc'rta, has no diplomatic standing.

WASHINGTON CONFERENCE.

MR. WILSON REASSURED.

'Received March 1, 10. p.m.)

Washington, March 3,

A conference was held yesterday between President Wilson, Sir C. A. Spring-Rice (British Ambassador at Washington), and Sir Lionel Garden (British Minister in Central America) regarding Mexican affairs.

The President expressed his approval and appreciation of the friendly sentiment uttered by Sir E. Grey in the House of Commons. State Department officials had acknowledged a fear that Britain will press the United States to take drastic action because of Benton's murder, and relief is now felt because Britain has not demanded reparation from the United States.

Sir L. Garden explained the whole Mexican situation from the British viewpoint, and assured the President of his desire to follow the British policy of interposing no obstacle to the carrying out of the American policy.

The official report to Mr. W. J. Bryan (Secretary of State) states that Benton waited two hours to see General Villa. He went unarmed, and was shot in tho abdomen.

COMMISSION APPOINTED.

ACTION BY CARRANZA.

(Received March i, 9.40 p.m) Mexico City, March 3. A commission has been appointed by General Carranza to investigate Benton's death, the Constitutionalist Cabinet approving of this action.