GRAVE SITUATION

Southland Times, Issue 17628, 17 April 1914, Page 5

GRAVE SITUATION

UNITED STATES AND MEXICO The Tamplcp Incident A NEW POLICY American Naval Demonstration By Telegraph.-—Press Assn.—Copyright WASHINGTON, April 15. The Ta-mpico Incident is to be made the starting point of a now policy towards Mexico. President Wilson is determined to uphold the national hononr of the United States at all costs. Interviews between the President and members of both House arc frequent. The President informed them that if president Huerta did not fire a salute the United States would first seize Tampico and then Vera Cruz. It is understood that a United States orderly was arrested recently while going ashore with mails, and that the officer who arrested him was reprimanded merely without any apology being offered to the United States. Other incidents of a similar character were instanced by the President, with a view to showing the general attitude of Mexico towards Americans. Cabinet has decided to order a naval demonstration off the Mexican coast.

SAN PEDRO CAPTURED. WASHINGTON, April IS. Xvater reports from Juarez indicate that Villa has captured San Pedro. He admits that 5000 Constitutionalists (rebels) are wounded. PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS AGREED. THE STATES’ DIGNITY. WAR BEFORE DISHONOUR. FOUR DREADNOUGHTS ON WEDNESDAY. WASHINGTON, April 15. Received April 16. 10 p.m. Roth Houses of Congress expressed approval of President Wilson’s changed policy in t.lio Mexican question. The speakers expressed opinions favourable to the maintenance of United States' dignity even if war resulted. Tho Senate Committee of Eoreign Regulations expressed the. opinion that tho landing of an armed force on Mexican soil constituted an act of war, hut no formal declaration of war is necessary as the United States did not recognise any Mexican Government Mr Mondell charged President Wilson of using the Atlantic fleet to enforce tho mandates of his personal prejudice against President Huerta. Four Dreadnoughts are expected to arrive off Tampico on Wednesday. It is understood that President Hnerta wishes to arbitrate on the alleged insult to the American flag, but the United Suites Cabinet is wholly opposed to even considering such a suggestion. President Huerta has called the Mexican Senate to advise him, hut their decision is not yet known. Mr Bryan has agreed to General Carranza’s stipulation that all representations regarding foreigners shall come through the United States Government when the foreign Governments request the United States specifically to act for thorn. ONLY CHAOS REMAINS. INTERVENTION THE ONLY COURSE. (Times and Sydney Sim Service.) LONDON. April 15. Received April 16, 5.10 p.m. Major Archer Slice, M.P., who has recently extensively toured Mexico, interviewed. predicted that ebaos would continue in Mexico for many months, and perhaps years, unless the United Stoles recognised the existing Government or actively intervened. Under the present circumstances intervention appeared to be the only possible course.