Turbulent Mexico

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 210, 5 March 1914, Page 5

Turbulent Mexico

THE MURDER OF BENTON. MR. BRYAN'S OFFICIAL REPORT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Washington, March 3. Mr. Bryan's official report states that Benton waited two hours to see General Villa, lie went unarmed, and was shot in the stomach.

BRITISH OFFICIAL STATEMENT. CONCEALMENT OF TRUTH. London, March 3. Replying to Mr. Bonar Law, Sir E. Grey said that several Americans had been killed in Mexico. If the United States thought proper to take steps on behalf of its own subjects or British subjects. Britain would gladly await the result, otherwise she reserved the right to secure reparation, but she had no intention of sending a force or blockading a port. Sir E. Grey added: "Britain does not intend to let the matter rest."

Times-Sydney Sun Special Cables. Received 3, 6.5 p.m. London, March 3. Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir E. Grey said that all efforts had failed to secure an investigation into the facts of Mr. Benton's death. The persistent difficulties met with offered Uib strongest presumption that there was ii desire on the part of the responsible persons to conceal the truth. The United States had shown every desire to secure the protection of Britishers.

A COMMISSION APPOINTED. Received 4, 9.40 p.m. Mexico City, March 3. Nogales, .Sonora, and Carraza have been appointed a commission to investigate Benton's death, the Constitutionalist Cabinet approving of this action. PRESIDENT WILSON GRATIFIED. AT BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE. Received 4, 10.55 p.m. Washington, March 3. President Wilson has conferred with Sir C. Spring-Rice (British Ambassador) and Sir Lionel Carden (British Minister at Mexico). He expressed approval and appreciation of the friendly sentiments uttered by Sir E. Grey in the British House of Commons. There was a fear that Britain would press the United States to take drastic action because of Benton's murder, but relief was now felt because Britain did not demand reparation from the United States. Sir Lionel Carden explained the

whole of the Mexican situation from a British viewpoint.

Sir Lionel Carden assured the President of his desire to follow the British policy of interposing no obstacle to the carrying out of American policy.

SIR E. GREY'S SPEECH. FAVORABLY RECEIVED. AMERICA'S PROBLEM. CARRAZA'S ATTITUDE. Received 4, 11.50 p.m. London, March 4. Sir Edward Grey's speech .has .created a good impression. Washington, March 4. The opinion is growing that President Wilson will eventually be compelled to abandon the waiting policy, and that he is disillusioned regarding Carraza and Villa, but dreads sacrificing the lives entailed in quelling the anarchy. Mexico City, March 4. It is reported that General Carraza has summoned the Cabinet to discuss the Benton incident. Carraza declares that Britain has no rights in regard to Benton. England having recognised Huj erta, she had no diplomatic standing.