CRISIS IN VENEZUELA.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 11946, 22 December 1902, Page 3

CRISIS IN VENEZUELA.

BRITAIFfS RELATIONS WISH \ - , I United Press jAssociation—Jßer' 'Electric ' 'Tel«gssph—Copyright. - Received 8-50. a.m., December "2Gt3i. ... LONDON, December-OS. thXr Long, President of the Local CGolyerument Board, speaking at Westminster, •saia. that Britain was in no danger .of •strSiaing her fnenSly relations with Ame--riaa. The Government were determined 'to ;jjß&ke them closer than ever.

NEW YORK, Deeemfeer 19. A , r d6claration by *the " Daily ?7ews,"" ] ■t hat "Europe's revolt jagainst Monroeism « ! *he -real object of the combination against ■ Venezuela, is being Quoted in America as \ evidence that Britain is playing a hypo-' critical -pert. Amerieau opinion is opposed to' America i becoming -a guarantor or Venezuela's compliance to prance, whitih power claims priority in -lihe collection «of her debts. In such an eveßt Italy dissects, alleging that her claims tree of'longest -standing, entitling her to .piiiority, if any differentiation is made. THE QUESTION OF ARBITRATION. THE BLOCKADE OF THE PORTS. Received 4.36 p.m., December 21st. NEW YORK, December 20. The allies have informed Mr Hay that there was no answer from President Castro; that Venezuela would not be consulted in any shape; but that Mr Hay's suggestion for arbitration would be favourably entertained. Britain is more favourably inclined than Germany, but requires proper safeguards and adequate guarantees ; Germany insists on apologies and emphasises the various, preliminary difficulties- whose removal will occupy some

time. Italy is &iclined to seciond Mr -Hay's efforts and so induce to he!;\.. decision. The decision of bailee " iriiist 'be defined. ' An exchange of vfews is now proceeding between thfe allies and Mr Hay towards a common bte;is of arbitration.

_ Advices 'from Pert of Spain state that the blockade of Venezuelan ports is proclaimed as from to-day. President Castro's position is uncertain, owing %o symptoms of renewed r'evoluticaßiry activity.' The "North German Gazette," replying ¥o statements which have appeared in the .American press, stigmatises as Tmju& v and wilfully prejudicial any attempt to differentiate' the policy of Germany and that of Britain. Btith Powers are'wholly and exclusively concerned with the enforcement of just claims.

THE QUESTION OF ARBITRATION.

Received 1/17 a.m.. December 22nd. LONDON, December 21. The Venezuelan blockade lias been gazetted in London and Berlin.

President Roosevelt proposes that -Britain, Gersreny, and Italy shall submit their issues to the Hague tribunal. The Powers counter-p;rl>pose that President Roosevelt shall arbitrate. Probably "he will reluctantly consent if it is neces'sarv to avoid a prolongation of the struggle."