New-York tribune., 1909-03-22
PREDICTS CAsTRo's RETURN.
Venezuelan Lieutenant General Says Ex-Presi-
dent will Save Republics from Mexico.

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: I have just arrived here from Caracas. and
I am surprised to find that there Is growing sen
tlruent In this country that the republics Of Cen
trsI America are incapable Of managing their own
affairs and that TO insure peace they should he
handed over TO Mexico 10 govern. Now, ! wish
to enter protest against the absorption Of this
territory by Mexico In the first place, Mexican
rule would not be welcomed by the people OF Ceh-
trail America. and then. again. am confident that
such move would lead 10 endless trouble. II is
apparent that the United States. Mexico and
Brazil working for a readjustment Of the po-
litica map. so that the balance of power would
remain I'm their hands 7 have talked With Bra
lillian officials. and while they anxious 10
take part in this arrangement they have not as
yet into the lrneiight: but there IS new
ertheless understanding between Brazil and
Mexico. The other South American republics are
Of what is foot and are prepared TO
oppose the plan by every means within their pow
er, as they could not hope to gain anything from
#. and such a move would undoubtedly lead to
further aggressions In the future the part Of
the United States. Mexico and Brazil
The people OF Venezuela aroused this
question and they have found that Gomez is
not strong enough to oppose the union they have
sent call to Castro across the ocean. and he is
now returning 10 take up the reins Of government
at Caracas and enter protest against the threat
ened absorption OF Central America by Mexico
Castro is the strongest figure in Central and South
American politics to-day. He is unalterably OPP
America,
Will prevent il by recourse TO arms, II necessary
IN concert with other South American states and
the leaders I'm Central America
I am in close touch with the situation in Central
America. and know that they would resist to the
extent Of their resources. Nicaragua would lead
the movement in conjunction with Venezuela and
in short time all Central and part of South
America would he armed camp. President
Zelaya is able and fearless leader and has great
influence in his own country and abroad Colombia
would undoubtedly make common cause with Nene
zuela and the other republics, she is jealous Of
Mexico's rising influence and would welcome the
return of Castro at this critical moment. Farseeng
American statesmen have been watching the situa
tion closely here. and have warshps in these
waters to nip in the bud any effort on the part Of
Castro to regain his lost power, but l assure
you that the mere presence Of Castro in West
Indian waters will he sufficient TO put finishing
stroke TO the already waning power of Gomez. and
this spite of the combined efforts of the United
States France and Holland.
Ny presence here I'm Tampa is without political
significance. The people of these United States can
rest assured that not using their soil as a
base of operations 10 restore Castro to power in
Venezuela this is quite unnecessary. Castro. on
arrival in West Indian waters. will proceed inn
mediately to Caracas and take the reins of gov
ernment without opposition. The possibilities of
revolution very remote all will see
LUIS DE LEON
Lieutenant General, Venezuelan Army.
Tampa, Fla, March 10, 1909.