Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-12-18
The Venezuelan situation.

London, Dec. 1S.-The newspapers
today are greatly perturbed by the adj
mission by Premier Balfour in the
House of Commons that war practically
exists between England and Venezuela.
The Liverpool Post says "if Vene-
zuela can dispense with supplies from
abroad the blockade may go on in
definitely, and the naval operations
will bring no payment either for Great
Britain or Germany" "The Birming-
ham Post says the position of the allied
powers is fast becoming ridiculous.
sIf the powers must not take territory,
land troops, nor conduct peaceful
blockade" the Post asks "what can
they doq'
Berlin, Dec. ia high official OF
the foreign Office said today that Eng
land never intended to officially declare
war against Venezuela. Such a declar-
alton, it was pointed out, was only
necessary if the invasion and conquest
of Venezuela was planned. The official
was emphatic in the statement that such
plan never existed. In further ex-
PLANTATION of the situation he said it was
not impossible, however, that the block
AIDE might create situations similar to
those that existed during state OF
war. The small German naval force in
Venezuelan waters, he added, was suf'
6cient proof that Germany only wants
President Castro to fulfill just claims.
Rome, Dec. 1S.--It was announced
here today that England, Germany,
and Italy have agreed to blockade
Venezuela if President Castro continue:
to be stubborn and stands out against
granting the demands. The Italian
government strongly favors arbitration
through the United States.
Paris, Dec. Ism. Wiener, French
Minister at Caracas, who is at present
in Paris, and NJ. Peretti De La Rocs
will start for Caracas on December q
to determine whether France guarantee
have been affected by the present cond
ton of affairs in Venezuela.
London, Dec lS.-A cabinet meet
ing was held this afternoon to discuss
the Venezuelan situation. 1t is learned
that important negotiations are proceed
ing between Washington and London
which may strain the Anglo German join
action in Venezuelan waters. Germany
has given the government at Washing
ton to understand that she is unable t
submit her claims to arbitration. Eng
land on the other hand is willing t
arbitrate matters but says she does not
like to dissolve partnership with Ger
many, as it was agreed when the join
action began that the two countrie.
would work together till the matter wa:
concluded. America is now trying tC
persuade England that if she will bu
take a strong generalization attitude,
Germany will be forced to follow suit.
The matter is still at an initial stage.
England has not yet sent an answer to
Washington.
Caracas. Dec. 1S.-Venezuelah has con-
sented to accept the conditions of the al
timatums of Great Britain and Germany,
and has named Minister Bowen as her
arbitrator.
Berlin. Dec. 1S.-Aside from the
financial claims mentioned in her ultim-
alum, Germany expects some form OF
apology from Venezuela for the diplo-
matte insults.
Washington, ID. c., Dec. 1S.-Up to
O. clock the State Department had not
received any information from Minister
Bowen to the effect that he had been
given authority by President Castro to
effect settlement of the dispute between
Venezuela and Great Britain and
Germany. Officials of the Department
are inclined to believe that if Castro ha:
given the American minister such au-
thority they would have received Of
fetal word of it by this time. No an
swer has yet been received from the
British or German foreign offices to the
arbitration proposition forwarded through
the State Department. 1t is under.
stood at the Department that France has
served official notice on Venezuela of a
priority of lien on the customs receipts
Of the country in the event that they
should be devoted to the settlement Of
foraiUn eloimc