The Washington herald., 1913-04-13
ENGLAND ADOPTS
UNUSUAL COURSE
Great Britain Informs Secre.
tary Bryan If Intention to
Recognize Huerta.
POLICY CAUSES COMMENT
China's Government Also Is Subject OF
Difference Between Nations Or
dinarily in Accord.

For the first time in many years tine
governments of Great Britain and the
United States are standing on opposite
sides of the fence with respect to the rec
ignition of new governments.
Great Britain has declined to accept
the invitation of Secretary of State Bryan
to join with the United States in recoS-
niZing the provisional government oi
China, while on the other hand, she has
Informed the United States of her IN
tention of recognizing the provisional
government of Mexico, which President
Wilson refuses to recognize.
There Is little doubt that but for the
change in administration, both govern
ments would be in exact accord in regard
to both China and Mexico. The Taft ad-
ministration held that recognition on
China was premature until the people
had spoken through their representatives,
the national assembly. and confirmed the
change from monarchical to republican
form of government.
On the other hand, 1t is likely that
the Huerta government in Mexico would
have been recognized as the constituted
authority Of that country had not Presi-
dent Taft been unwilling to take any
step in the closing days of his admins
trAtion which might commit the incom-
ing party to a policy or a course of &C
ton not congenial to them.
That Great Britain took the trouble
to convey to the government at Wash
ington the fact that she was contem-
plating recognition of the Huerta gov
eminent in a favorable light is taken
to indicate that she meant the informa-
ton TO suggest that the United States
take the same course. The British sug
gestion, however, has not met with any
response from Secretary Bryan. nor is
ii likely to. 1t has been made clear
that President Wilson is determined to
withhold recognition until a President
of Mexico has been elected by popular
vote. The election cannot possibly take
place for several months.
Action Is Unusual.
The action of Great Britain in pro-
ceeding toward recognition of Latin
American government independently of
the United States is unusual The I'M
Outstanding between the two countries
on Latin-American affairs has hereto
fore been so cordial that Great Britain
has usually waited for the United States
to act in all such matters. The case OF
Mexico marks a departure from this
usual friendly policy.
1t is understood that Great Britains
action is to be followed by Spain and
Italy, regardless of the attitude Of the
United States. According to reports re-
ceived here, the entire diplomatic corps
in Mexico City has been strongly in favor
of recognition of the Huerta government
almost ever since 1t came into power.
Ambassador Wilson, the American rep
resentative, shared this view, and rec
commended to the State Department on
more than one occasion that the Huerta
government be recognized.
The Diplomatic Corps in this case re-
f1ected the views of practically the entire
foreign colony in Mexico. 1t was felt
that it was most desirable to do every
thing which would tend to strengthen
the hands of the Huerta government, and
aid 1t in its task of restoring order in
Mexico. 1t is now charged by Mexi-
cans that the failure of the United States
to recognize the Huerta government is
resulting in encouragement of the rebel
leaders, and damaging the credit of the
new government abroad.
1t is predicted that the Huerta gov
eminent is doomed to disaster II the
United States continues to Withhold recog-
nition 1t is explained that Mexican NAL
contents. knowing the United States has
not recognized the provisional govern
ment, will assume that the United States
is unfriendly to him, and will. therefore,
redouble their efforts to GUST him. Rec
ignition, on the other hand, it is de-
ciared, would prove a encouragement
to the revolutionists 1t is also claimed
that recognition would do much to re-
store the credit of the Mexican gov
eminent, which has thus far been unable
to negotiate a much-needed loan. SYM
pathiZers with the cause Of the late Pres
ident Madero. who are conducting CAM
paign in Washington, make no secret of
their hope that the United States will
not recognize the Huerta government.
Recognition Soon to Come.
Recognition of the present government
Of China by the United States will be
practically automatic, as soon as the
new Chinese Assembly has adopted its
permanent organization, it was learned
at the State Department yesterday.
Edward T. Williams, secretary and
charge d'affaires of the American Le-
CATION at Pekin, has received from Sec
rotary Of State Bryan full instructions
as to recognition. and he will act with
out waiting for further word from
Washington as soon as the Assembly
has met the required conditions.
The Assembly was to have reconvened
yesterday but no word of their meeting
has been received at Washington. 1t is
expected that Immediately upon their re-
converting permanent organization OF
both Houses will be effected, and then
recognition will follow.
Thus far Brazil and Peru are the only
nations which have responded favorably
to President Wilson's invitation to the
governments of the world to join the
United States in recognizing the new
government of China. 1t is not expected
that any of the European powers, nor
Japan, will depart from the understand
ing, to which the United States was for
merly party, by which all were to act
in concert in the matter of recognizing
the Chinese republic.