Turbulent Mexico

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 203, 25 February 1914, Page 5

Turbulent Mexico

BEXTOX EXECUTION ISSUE. DISCUSSION IX BRITISH PARLIAMENT. EXPLANATION' BY VILLA. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright London, February 23. Sir Edward (irey, in reply to a question, said that previous to Benton's execution, the United States had impressed upon the Mexican Government tin- importance of respecting the lives and properties of Europeans. The fact of _ the Foreign Office communicating with the United States did not imply American responsibility. He communicated with the United Stated because the latter could exercise influence with

Afcxieo and get justice done. Sir E. Grey added that the American Consul stated that General Villa explained that Benton was court-mar-tialled and shot for plotting to assassinate him. Mr, Ackland, in reply to a question •»■ the House of Commons, said that the continued fighting was causing the .greatest prejudice to British and other commercial interests. It was a matter ■lor grave concern, hut British intervention would be futile, and impolitic. The Daily Mail has received a oablc.gram from General Villa: "The English Benton, was put to death because he went into my room and pulled oat his revolver to kill me. When the time comes his trial will be open and .jjive full satisfaction to the British pco- —- Mexico City, February 23. ; Four Americans have disappeared "from Jaurez. It is believed General Villa has executed them. General Villa that numbers ef Americans desired to join his forces and he rejeeted tlrem, but is, returning them later to, American territory. * Afr. Byran has demanded that Benton's, body be given to his widow. N Mexico City, February 23. A Government troop train, carrying aa infantry company from .Mexico City, was wrecked at Vera Cruz. The whole train was demolisned and 55 officers and men and the British engineer kil 'led. A passenger train following narrowly escaped under the rebels' fire. * ,- CASE DISCUSSED IX AMERICA. A DIFFICULT POSITION'. Received 24, D.45 p.m. Washington, February 23. The Foreign Relations Committee conferred with President Wilson on the Benton ease, and arranged to confer, with .the Senate behind closed doors •vir the Mexican question. It is understood in official circles that the United States will' pas& the facts 'relating to Benton over to Britain without Comme*t. It is difficult to decide what ftcti»n the United States should take, ■M unless she intervenes in Mexico, she will be unable to bring General Tilla to

;- Mr C. A. Spring-Bice, British Ambas- - i»ador, lias had frequent conferences with Mr. Byron, Foreign Minister, rergarfling t*he British refugees.

If General Villa wins an important J pandtrtg battle around Torreon, the United States is likely to consider the Hiiestion of the rebels' belligerency. VILLA'S STATEMENT. [ ALLEGES HIS <JUICK GUN SAVED HIM, » Received 24, 9.45 p.m. Mexico City, February 23. General Villa, in an interview, declared that Benton, after being courtnwrtialled, confessed to making' attempts on Villa's life. Villa's q'uicknesß with his own revolver alone saved him. He added he would execute any other foreiTier under similar conditions, and had nothing to conceaL THE PRESS DISSATISFIED. AX IMPRESSION OF HELPLESSNESS Received 24, 11.5 p.m. Loadon, February 24. The Daily Mail says that Sir Edward Orey's statement is disappointing. He Ar—" the impression of complete British ■helplessness. He should have pointed »u,t that General Villa had no right to «ourt-martlai a British subject as he was never recognised as a belligerent. The Standard says Sir Edward Grey's statement is unsatisfactory. The assumption is that in no possible circumstances can Britain take direct steps to bring home the responsibility of the fisatb of a British subject, and goes far bevond the average Briton's idea of our disinterestedness towards Mexico. Sir Edward Grey seems inclined to treat the murder with cool philosopsy, altogether out of harmony with the ■fttion's feelings'. Englishmen do not wish to embarrass Washington, but they will not i-onsent to regard the murder «i a negligible incident.

FRENCH OPINION. ! Received p.m. Paris, February 23. The newspapers, commenting on Benton's execution, intimate that if the United States is unable to assure Europeans' safety, the Powers will .have to undertake the protection fi their countrymen themselves. It is" estimated that France four hundred million sterling invested in K«H9»B Miterprises.