Venezuela.

Manawatu Herald, 11 December 1902, Page 2

Venezuela.

DEMAND FOR GERMANY'S

CLAIM.

The members of the foreign Legations have left Caracas and embarked on warships at La Guayra. Germany claims from Venezuela the immediate payment of 1,700,000 bolivares, this sum representing the losses of German subjects in the civil war up to 1900. Germany demands a satisfactory guarantee for the payment additional claims totalling three million bolivares, arising out of the recent civil war, also a settlement of other claims especially connected with the German-Venezuelan railway. The authorities at Washington are pleased that Britain is acting with Germany in demanding a settlement of claims, and regard Britain’s action as a guarantee that the Monroe doctrine will not bo infringed, EXPLANATION BY MB BALFOUR.

In the House of Commons Mr Balfour (Prime Minister) said that for the past two years Venezuela had unjustifiable interfered with the liberty and property of British subjects, and has refused to settle large claims. All efforts to obtain an amicable arrangement had proved unavailing, and many representations made had remained unnoticed. An ultimatum, he said, had been presented in conduction with Germany, and if the outcome of the ultimatum was unsatisfactory, it was intended to enforce the demands.