Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-24
Has No Blockade Plans.
French Assurances Satisfactory.

1t is admitted In high official circles that
the United States having received salts
factory assurances that France will fully
respect the Monroe doctrine in spirit as
well as in letter in enforcing reparatiou
from Venezuela. this government will Of;
fer no objection or opposition to the pro-
posed French naval demonstration In Ven
ezueian waters. Although not definitely IN
formed as 10 the precise purpose of the
demonstration it Is generally assumed
that it means a blockade Of Venezuelan
ports. The report from Paris that tie
United States will not oppose "a naval
demonstration" is confirmed in local Off
cial circles, but il is explained that il does
not follow that the United States either
favors or is encouraging France in max
ing war, with its consequent horrors and
hardships, on the citizens of Venezuela.
II will be made clear in case the present
crisis results in open hostilities. that unless
the Monroe doctrine is violated the Emitted
States will observe its traditional policy Of
non-interference and strict neutrality.
Furthermore, il is stated there is no au-
thority for the published statements that
the United States has taken sides with
France IN its quarrel with Venezuela, the
fact being that this government has scrupu-
lousy avoided any action calculated to give
the least cause Of offense TO either of those
governments.
Its action throughout, it is explained has
been consistently partisan and friendly
TO both countries and that instead of in
citing them to hostilities ii has used it's
best endeavors to bring about a satisfac-
tory settlement by peaceful methods with
out sacrifice to the honor or dignity OF
either nation. That II has failed Is a mat
ter of sincere regret, but even now II Will
not undertake TO pass upon the merits OF
the controversy.
VIII Not Interfere.
Unless Jointly invited to arbitrate the
differences, it can be positively stated that
the United States will not interfere in the
premises unless the Monroe doctrine Is vio
Is ted, except as an extreme resort in the
interests of humanity TO prevent unneces-
sary bloodshed.
In view of the apparent determination OF
France to blockade Venezuelan ports, II Is
assumed that Great Britain. Germany ami
Italy have adopted the policy of the United
States and will keep hands off 80 long as
their direct interests are not affected IL
is not explained, however, how the com
merce of Venezuela can be blocladed with
out affecting the interests Of the European
countries named. as they each receive
percentage of the revenues collected IN
LIQUIDATION of accepted claims.
The French Warships
It is reported that French warships are
now on their way to La Guiara 20 punish
Castro. and will reach there today or tomor-
row. 1t is not regarded as likely that any
radical action VIII be taken by these ships
without first giving due notice to Venezuela
and the other countries interested. So far
as known France has made no demands on
Castro since the severance Of diplomatic
relations either for an apology for the
4laigny incident or for naturalization for
the seizure OF the French cable. Before
proceeding to extremes, 1t is argued. i
would be only regular for France TO first
submit its ulumatunl.
Preliminary Notice Expected.
Although it is not likely that Castro
would apologize or pay an indemnity, 1t is
regarded as only fair that he should be
given an opportunity TO do so before being
attacked. 1t Is the invariable practice IN
international intercourse to give ample no
tice OF the establishment of a blockade. so
A blockade is usually Instituted TO enforce
that innocent parties may not be injured
a demand for financial indemnity.
IT win be necessary therefore TO know
how much money France requires from
Venezuela TO heal its wounded honor in
order to base a fair prediction as to the
probable duration of the proposed blockade.
1t is the general expectation that II
France actually decides TO use force against
Venezuela and injure or destroy her com
nlerce ample notice win be given TO all the
other countries interested. Such notice
would probably take the form of a deciara-
ton of war against Venezuela but 1t might
be done also by diplomatic notes TO the
rulers of the various countries.