The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-03-03
IN DEFENCE OF OUR ATTITUDE
LORD LANSDOWNE DISCUSSES
THE VENEZUELAN CASE.
Replies 10 Criticisms In the House Of Lords
of the Alliance with Gcrmany-Had
Reason to Know How the United
states Would Regard Allies Action.

Special Cable Despatch 10 The SUN.
LONDON, March Ain the House OF Lords
to-day, in reply to Lord Tweedmouth, who
had reproeched the Government for en-
barking upon the Venezuelan enterprise,
a rash and ill-considered step, liable to lead
to misunderstanding and difficulty. II not
danger, Lord Lansdowne said that he had
always felt that England should not allow
her feelings OF sensitiveness regarding
anything that had occurred during the
South African war to stand In her way and
prevent her from approaching the question
Of cooperating with Germany. From
business point OF view great practical in
convenience would have result ed II Germany
and Great Britain had proceeded to meas
ures OF coercion separately and without
previous understanding.
As to the terms OF the agreement 1t was
absolutely essential that there should be
an honorable understanding between them,
not to desert one another. The second
class claims included claims for injury and
the wanton seizure Of property, for the
plumber of business premises and similar
wrongs. Were we to sit still and not de-
mand compensation with vengeanceP
As to the bondholders. he felt they had
been treated abominably, but their claim
had been placed by his Majesty's Govern.
ment in a wholly different category from
the claims for shipping cases and for second
class claims.
1t was agreed that II there was to be
arbitration the bondholders' claims should
20 to arbitration. II there was to be direct
settlement Venezuela should give an un-
dertaking to make Q fresh arrangement
with the bondholders.
Great Britain had agreed to 60 on with
Germany until the first rank claims were
settled. Both were prepared TO accept a
mixed commission or The Hague Court
upon the other claims.
In conclusion Lord Lansdowne said that
although official reference had not been
made to the United States Government
until Nov. IL, his Majesty's Government
had excellent reasons for knowing how
.ho United States was likely 10 regard their
action. Throughout the negotiations not
one single word was said or written by the
United States Government which was not
thoughtful, friendly and considerable tow
ard this country
Lord Roeebery said he could not believe
that the United States could be satisfied
with the British Governments action In
delaying approaching them for 20 long a
time. He felt gloomy about British foreign
relations. Great Britain should pause,
and pause long. before again embsrkins
upon similar action
The Duke Of Devonshire. president Of the
Oounoii and Government Leader In shs Ho',es
OF Lords, said he thought Lord Rosebcry's
CRITICISMS were minute Ind captious. He
added that II Great Britain's relations re-
NAMED a. good a. they are with tho United
States no thanks would be due to Lord
Rosebery. He could not conceive anything
more likely 70 produce bad feeling than
Lord Rosebery's attempt to prove that the
Government had disregarded the tenderest
rights and tenderest interests Of the United
States