CONSULAR CONTROVERSY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18345, 10 March 1923, Page 9

CONSULAR CONTROVERSY.

CORRESPONDENCE PUBLISHED Australian and N.Z. Cable Association(Reed. i.i6 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Mar. 8. The British Embassy has published the text of the Marquis Curzon's last Note relating to the Newcastle Consulate incident, and a statement explaining that Britain's action in withdrawing the exequators of the American Consul and ViceConsul was in conformity with the 1815 Commercial Convention with the United States. A similar publication was made simultaneously in London. Mr. C. E. Hughes, on being informed of Britain's intention to publish these papers, also issued a statement outlining the American position and published the texts of all correspondence with Britain on the subject. Mr. Hughes emphasises that Britain having allowed the charges preferred against the Consuls to become public, it was incumbent on the United States to investigate them carefully. He reiterates the conclusion that the men were innocent, Britain's evidence being insufficient. The State Department has intimated that negotiations with Britain will not be resumed unless the initiative is assumed by Britain.