Venezuela.

Manawatu Herald, 3 February 1903, Page 2

Venezuela.

The proposal of Mr Bowen, who represents Venezuela on the Arbitration Commission, that all the foreign claims against Venezuela should be treated on an equality, has been rejected. . Owing to Germany's attitude towards Venezuela, the Military Committee of the American Senate has has accepted the proposal of the House of Representatives to retain the transport service, and has also increased the number of gunners/* A member of the committee declared that it was intended to make plain that America “ will not submit to German bluff.” The allies’ rejection of the equality of claims has probuced a hitch necessitating Mr Bowen applying to General Castro. It is estimated that 30 per cent of the Customs will pay the allies claims in six years. France and other non-blockading Powers urge that their exclusion is unfair, as their magnanimity will apparently prejudice their position. The New York correspondent of “The Times” contradicts on the highest authority German representations that Britain sought Germany’s co-operation in Venezuela, BRITAIN AND GERMANY. Viscount Cranborne, Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Foreign Office, speaking at Sheffield, in referring to the “Venezuelan mess,” says he was shocked at the reckless way in which irresponsible persons criticised British and German co-operation He added that Britain’s friendliness with America remained unimpaired, and America was'now aware that the Monroe doctrine was not questioned. THE CUSTOMS REVENUE. The “Daily Post”, says-The treaty with Venezuela entiles France to 19 per cent of the La Guayra Customs. The allies consider that this is apart from the 30 per cent previously offered They are trying to discover the percentage which will cover all claims*