MEXICAN MEDIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15649, 1 July 1914, Page 9

MEXICAN MEDIATION.

FEARS OF FAILURE.

CARRANZA'S ATTITUDE.

By Telegraph— Association— Copyright.

. Washington, June 29. Despite continued expressions of hope that the Mexican mediation will not fail, considerable apprehension is shown in official quarters.

Significance is attached to the mediation conference plans to take a recess unless some definite assurance is received from General Carranza by to-morrow that the agents will meet the Huertan delegates and representatives of the United States to discuss the plans for a provisional government outlined in the recent protocol. ' OBSTACLES IN THE WAY. THE VICTORIOUS REBELS. [FROM orr, OWN CORHESrOSDKST.] Sax Fiiaxcisco, Juno 7. Tho mediators between this nation and the Huerta administration in, Mexico are meeting daily at Niagara Falls without any apparent positive results. It is plain they have shouldered a longhand difficult task. Tho most serious obstacles to the pacification of Mexico have arisen in tho quarter lrora which they wero least expected. Huerta, whom President, Wilson and his advisers have always regarded with unconcealed'abhorrence, displays a surprisingly placable and amenable spirit. Officially he announces through his representatives his willingness to retire as soon as his country is "politically pacified." Indeed, be is Shown to be so weary o his position that it would not occasion any astonishment if be were to flit suddenly to Europe. On the other hand, Carranza and Villa, the rebel leaders, whose cause has to some extent been countenanced 'by tho United State, are so elated- by the series of victories that their arms have gained that they scoff 'at any peaco plans \."hich do not contemplate placing them in full control of the Mexican Government. They have so far declined to bo represented at the mediation proceedings, although more than once invited, and insist upon their recognition as conquerors. ' Some peoplo predict the great probability of this country becoming the armed foe of the Carranza-Villa forces, who command tho entire northern portion of Mexico, comprising possibly three-fourths of the territory of the republic. The plan the mediators have in mind is the setting up of a government in which both Mexican factions shall be equally represented, with a neutral holding tho rank of President, selected by the mediators to hold office pending an election. Huerta's acceptance of this plan would practically end the controversy with him, and theoretically would mean the retirement of the United States troops from Vera Cruz. Not only that, but there would be something liko a bargain with Huerta that tho programme would be carried out, and that is where a conflict with the rebels would be not only possiblo but probable.