THE BENTON MURDER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16484, 25 February 1914, Page 10

THE BENTON MURDER.

QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, February 23.

Sir Edward Grey, in reply to a question, said that previous to Mr Benton’s execution the United States had impressed upon the Mexican Government the importance of respecting the lives and properties of Europeans. The fact of the Foreign Office communicating with the United States did not imply any American responsibility. He bad communicated with the United States because the latter alone could exercise influence with Mexico, and get justice done. Sir Edward added that the American Consul stated that Villa had explained that Benton was court-martialled and shot for plotting to assassinate him. AMERICANS MISSING. BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN EXECUTED. MEXICO CITY, February 23. Four Americans have disappeared from Juarez. It is believed General Villa executed them. Villa declared that numbers of Americans desired to join bis forces, and that he rejected them, but is returning them later to American territory. Mr Bryan has demanded that Mr Benton’s body should be given to his widow. AMERICAN AUTHORITIES . CONEFRRING. ACTION DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE. (Received February 24, 9.40 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 23. The Foreign Relations Committee conferred with President Wilson regarding the Benton case. It was arranged to confer with the Senate with closed doors over the Mexican question. It is understood in official circles that the United States will pass the facta relating to Mr Benton over to Britain without comment. It is difficult to decide what action the United Slates will take as unless the Government should intervene in Mexico it will be unable to bring Villa to account. Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, the British Ambassador, has had frequent conferences with Mr Bryan regarding British refugees. If Villa should win an important pending battle around Torreon the United States is likely to consider the question of the rebels’ belligerency. VILLA INTERVIEWED. ALLEGES ATTEMPT ON HIS LIFE. WOULD TREAT ANY OTHER FOREIGNER SIMILARLY. MEXICO CITY, February 23.

Villa, in an interview, declared that Benton after he was court-martialled confessed that he attempted Villa’s life. Villa’s quickness with his own revolver alone saved him. He added that he would execute any other foreigner under similar conditions. He had nothing to conceal.

FOREIGN SECRETARY’S STATEMENT. CRITICISM BY LONDON NEWSPAPERS. (Received February 24, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 24. The “ Daily Mail ” says that Sir Edward Grey’s statement is disappointing. It gave an impression of complete British helplessness. It should be pointed out that Villa had no right to court-martial a British subject as he never had been recognised as a belligerent. The “ Standard ” says: “ Sir Edward Grey’s statement is unsatisfactory. The assumption that in no possible circumstances can Britain take direct steps to bring home responsibility for the death of a British subject goes far beyond the average Briton’s idea of our disinterestedness towards Mexico, Sir Edward Grey seems inclined to treat the murder with a cool philosophy altogether out of harmony with the nation’s feelings. Englishmen do not wish to embarrass the Government at Washington but they will not consent to regard the murder as a negligible incident.” OPINION IN FRANCE. POWERS MAY HAVE TO PROTECT THEIR COUNTRYMEN. PARIS, February 24. The newspapers commenting on Mr Benton’s execution declare that if the United' States Government is unable to assure Europeans of safety , the Powers themselves will have to undertake the protection of their countrymen. It is estimated that France has four hundred million pounds invested in Mexican enterprises. VILLA’S STORY. ALLEGES THAT BENTON TRIED TO KILL HIM. “ Times.”—Sydney " Sun ” Special Cable*. LONDON, February 23. The. “ Daily Mail ” has received a cable from General Villa saying:— “The English subject, Benton, was put to death because he went into my room and pulled out his revolver to kill me. “ When the time comes the trial will be open, and I will give full satisfaction to the British people.’;