CHARGES AGAINST CONSULS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16074, 10 March 1923, Page 5

CHARGES AGAINST CONSULS.

AMERICA ALLOWINC THE CONTROVERSY TO DROP.

LORD CURZON’S NOTE,

(Elec. Tel, Copyright—united Press Assn.) (Australian and N Z cable Association.) WASHINGTON, March 8. The British Embassy published the text of Lord Curzon’s last Note respecting the Newcastle incident, and a statement explaining attitude that the withdrawal of the exequators was in conformity with the old commercial convention with the United. States. A similar publication was made simultaneously in London- Mr. Hughes .was informed of the intention to publish these papers, also to issue a statement, outlining the American position similarly as in the previous statement and publish the , texts of all correspondence with Britain on the subject.

Mr. Hughes stresses the position that in view of the fact that Britain allowed the charges against the .Consuls to become public, it was incumbent on the United States tA investigate them carefully. He reiterated the conclusion that tho men were innocent. Britain’s evidence was insufficient. It is understood that the State Department intimated that negotiations with Britain will not be resumed unless the initiative is taken by Britain. ; It is interesting to note that although the United States declined to accept Britain’s invitation to send identical Notes of instruction to the British-Amoriean consuls concerning the aid they might render to the respective merchant marines until the Newcastle incident was settled, the State Department in December last nevertheless issued a circular to all its consular representatives, instructing them to offer information concerning American ships only when enquiries were made and not otherwise. State Department officials have declined to comment on Earl Balfour’s speech. . They said they regretted the revival of the controversy, and sinc« Mr. Harvey was not acting upon in-, etructions, the State Department did not believo the dispute was a matter of concern to this Government. The truth of Mr. Harvey’s assertions rested between himself and Earl Balfour. /•