Blockading Venezuela.

Manawatu Herald, 20 December 1902, Page 2

Blockading Venezuela.

The Marquis of Lansdowne, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, stated in the House of Lords that President Castro’s reply to Britain did not allude definitely to the ultimatum, bub declared that directly internal peace was assured it would be unnecessary to remind Venezuela of her obligations. The Treasury, meanwhile, was empty.

Since then President Castro had suggested through the Hon. John Hay, American Secretary of State, that the allies should submit to arbitration the method of settling claims arising from the insurrection. This was under consideration of the Government. In the House of Commons Mr Balfour, Prime Minister, stated that although the allies were acting jointly, each was responsible for its own measures exclusively. Viscount Cranborne, Foreign Un-der-Secretary, asserts that Germany explains the sinking of two captured vessels as a work of necessity. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman elicited from Mr Balfour that the real crux of the question was the outrageous manner in which Venezuela had repeatedly invaded the rights of British seamen and shipowners. Mr Balfour added that the financial claims were not the main origin or justification of the action of the Government.

It is announced that Germany was the instigator of joint action, while tbo Marquis of Lansrlowne sag gested tbo seizure of the Venezuelan gunboats at the outset in pursuance of the alvice of Admiral Douglas.

RELEASED REBELS REJOINING GENERAL MATOS The Orinoco has been opened to all but Venezuelan vessels.

The majority of the released rebels are rejoining General Matos, the revolutionary leader. Secretary Hay has informed Germany that American ships should not be interfered with, unless all shipping is inhibited owing to Jtho blockade. He disapproves of stoping any. General Matos has declined to co-operate with President Castro. Tfcs Venezuelan torpedo gunboat Miranda, 200 tons, escaped. The German warship Panther chased her towards Maracaibo, and threatened the Maracaibo forts. BRITISH TROOPS NOT TO BE LANDED.

The commander of the German warship Panther, in seizing the Venezuelan gunboats at La Guayra, declared that the seizure was merely provisional to compel recognition of Ger.nany’s just demands. The Marquis of Lansdowne, British Foreign Secretary, states that if the seizure of war vessels is ineffectual, further coercion will doubtless become inevitable, and the allies will blockade Venezuelan ports. It is not intended to land British forces, still less to occupy territory. The remark of Viscount Cranborn, Foreign Ilnder-Secretary, that no country was more desirous than Britain to assist America to maintain the Monroe Doctrine was warmly cheered in the House of Commons, and has been welcomed and re-echoed in America,

The Hon. John Hay, American Secretary of State, has sounded the British and German Governments regarding President Castro’s arbitration proposal. President Castro, in replying to the Italian Minister’s request for payment of Italian claims when those of the allies are paid, declared that he would not consider any claim until the revolution has been

crushed. The tribunals of Venezuela were able to deal with claims arising from the insurrection. Mr W. H. Bowen, United States Minister at Caracas, has" since been entrusted with the* protection of Italian interests in the Republic, OPPOSITION TO THE ALLIANCE. Great Britain’s entanglement with Germany in coercing Venezuela is largely reprobated in England, owing to the fear of offending the United States. AMERICAN DISTRUST OF GERMANY. Italy has presented an ultimatum to Venezuela claiming a hundred and twenty thousand pounds. General Castro’s proposals suggest arbitration on all points in dispute. The New York newspapers ape remarkably friendly with Britain, and distrustful- towards Germany. The latter Power is suspected of a desire to weaken the union between the United States and Great Britain.

A secret session of the American Senate advocated watchfulness, admitting that up to the present nothing had occurred to which America could take objection. Spain and Belgium have sent Notes to Venezuela, claiming most favoured settlement of outstanding disputes. One of the officers of the German warship Venifca was killed at Puerto Cahello.

Rebel editors at Caracas who were released have been re-im-prisoned, owing to an incipient revolutionary movement.