Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-21
OFFERS A GUARANTEE
VENEZUELA WANTS BLOCKADE
RAISED BY THE ALLIES.
Minister Bowen Has Power to Settle
Claims Of ALI Foreign Coun-
tries.

Raising the blockade is Venezuela's condd-
ton precedent to the formal institution OF
negotiations with the powers for settle
ment Of their claims Her representative,
Minister Bowen has presented this propo-
sition to the allies representatives in Wash
ington and it has been cabled to the foreign
offices at London. Berlin and Rome. Little
progress can be made pending the receipt
of the powers answer which it Is expected
will be in the nature Of a joint reply and
may not reach Washington for several
days.
Considerable reticence Is being maintained
by the negotiators as to the preliminary
steps and they are averse to discussing
Venezuela's initial proposition until re-
ply to it has been received. 1t Is under
stood. however, that in asking that the
blockade be lifted. Minister Bowen made 1t
clear that he was in position to oner suit
able guaranty for the payment of the just
claims Of the allies. He did not state, how
ever. what the character of this surety was.
and 1t is expected the reply OF the powers
will be in the nature Of a counter PROPOSE
ton that Venezuela agree to settlement
of the claims arising from injuries done to
foreign citizens In Venezuela. cash pay
ment for these obligations Is not expected
by the powers, but they are insistent that
prior to the lifting of the blockade suf-
ficient guaranty be made for their prompt
payment. The guaranty which MIR. Bowen
intimated he could give is taken to mean
either that Castro has succeeded in negot-
iating a loan or that he Is willing to allow
the powers to collect the revenues from the
Venezuelan customs until the payments are
completed
Minister Bowen's Powers.
It developed today that Minister Bowen's
powers include jurisdiction over the claims
Of all foreign countries. President Castro
having authorized him to negotiate through
the representatives here with all the pow
ers having claims against his country. That
will of course involve the working out OF
an intricate scheme for the proper collec-
ton and distribution of the Venezuelan I'M
ports, which will require considerable time
and study But no active steps Will be
taken until the preliminary difficulties have
been cleared away.
Minister Bowen Makes Calls.
Minister Bowen called on the representa-
tives Of the allies here yesterday afternoon
and urgently requested them to name an
early moment for the beginning OF the ne
gotiations The results Of his requests have
not yet developed, but 1t Is hoped that Mr..
Bowen will receive answers in the course
of day or two. The absence OF Baron
Sternberg and Of Count Quadt, the charge
of the Germany embassy, who is in New
York in the opinion Of the other allies
need not prevent the initiation Of negotia-
lions with Minister Bowen. In fact, 1t Is
not at all certain that there will be JOINT
meeting of the negotiators at any stage.
Mr. Bowen is not clear himself on that
point. and If the allies representatives hare
prefer to discuss their issues separately he
is perfectly willing to do so.
1t is expected that the Italian and British
ambassadors and the German charge will
soon return the calls Of Minister Bowen.
when they will take occasion to present the
formal thanks Of their governments for his
services in caring for the foreign interests
in Venezuela throughout the troublesome
period there.