MEXICAN AFFAIRS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 25

MEXICAN AFFAIRS.

INTERVENTION OPPOSED. " CERTAIN TO CAUSE WAR.” MEXICO CITY, August 13. It is officially reported that 3200 rebels were killed or executed during the siege of Torreon. Two hundred Federal troops were killed. The rebels, while sacking Durango, ate some poisoned biscuits, and 10 men died. The storekeepers showed the rebel commander the boxes which were labelled “ Poison." The storekeepers were executed. LONDON, August 11. The Daily Chronicle’s Washington correspondent states that President Wilson’s plan does not aim at mediation, but is an effort to secure General Huerta’s resignation, thus giving him a chance of saving his face. If the Mexican President refuses the United States will give unofficial assistance to the Constitutionalists who, President Wilson believes, will then be strong enough to overthrow General Huerta. VANCOUVER, August 13. In consequence of the refusal of Japan to receive him General Diaz will proceed to New York, thence going to Europe en route to Japan, provided the Mexican and Japanese Governments reach an understanding in the meanwhile. WASHINGTON, August 13. The State Department announces that Japan’s refusal to receive General Diaz is apparently due to a desire not to offend the United States. Mr Wilson, ex-Mexican Ambassador, has attacked the British statement that Great Britain recognised President Huerta’s Government only as a provisional one, with the desire of restoring order in Mexico. Mr Wilson declares that such a statement is merely subterfuges, and unworthy of the traditions of the British Foreign Office August 15. The President has instructed the American Ambassador in Mexico to express the Government’s regret for ex-Ambassa-dor Wilson’s improper criticisms of the British Foreign Office. The President decided thus to reprimand Mr Wilson rather than dismiss i}im, as his resignation takes effect shortly. In the House of Representatives Mr Towner proposed a resolution favouring mediation by the United States on behalf of Mexico, with the Argentine and Brazil acting in concert. A debate followed, but action was deferred. August 16. The Huertan Government has accepted Mr Lind as the bearer of an unofficial message from the United States, which intends to do nothing but what is in the best interests of Mexico. Mr Lind will shortly present a formal communication. His reception is doubtful because there is much ill-feeling against Americans. August 17. The State Department is advised that several thousand Federals and rebels fought a two days’ engagement at Rodriquez Sonora. The result was indecisive, but both sides lost heavily in killed and wounded. NEW Y'ORK, August 15. In the course of a speech at Indianapolis Senator Fairbanks said he would not sacrifice a single soldier for all the property the Americans owned, in Mexico. It would he the merest folly, as well as a calamity, if America were to intervene, as it would be certain to cause war. Much of the agitation for intervention was selfish and sinister, and prompted by interested persons. August 17. The Tribune states that the conviction is entertained in high quarters that the British recognition of President Huerta is due to commercial influence. It is asserted that extensive Mexican oil concessions are to be granted, contingent upon Britain’s recognition. It is also asserted that Lord Cawdray exercised his influence with the Foreign" Office, but it is not suggested that Sir E. Grey had been improperly influenced.