Venezuela.

Manawatu Herald, 12 February 1903, Page 3

Venezuela.

QUARREL OF OFFICIALS.

The Daily Mail’s Washington correspondent alleges that Sir Michael Herbert, British Minister at Washington, offended at the outspokenness of Mr Bowen on behalf of Venezuela, Sroteated to the Marquis of Lanaowne, the British Foreign Secretary, who refused to authorise a rupture. Sir Michael Herbert demanded an apology for Mr Bowen’s note expressing surprise and regret at Britain’s willingness to remain allied with Germany and Italy longer than was necessary. Mr Bowen substituted another note, omitting the objectionable sentence, though the original had already been given to the newspapers. Mr Bowen characterised the twenty pec cant proposal as a scheme to trick Venezuela into abetting a six years' alliance against herself. Bir Edward Grey, who was Foreign Under-Secretary in the last Liberal Ministry, speaking at Lesbury, Northumberland, blamed the Government for cultivating friendly relations with Germany at the expense of Bussia, Franco and the United States. Mr Bowen insists that the protocols ’which have been presented on behalf of Britain and Germany for his signature must substantially agree. He considers Britain’s fair, though be is anxious that the reference to the treatment of British citizens by Venezuela should be moderated. Mr Bowen also claims that three or five arbitrators should be appointed.