The Washington herald., 1913-11-23
Bryan Denies Reports
Of Protests Against
EngIand's Naval Order

The Mexican situation was SO lacking
in Developments yesterday that Secretary
Bryan left his Office at il o'clock and
didn't expect TO return until Monday
morning. Aside from issuing a most
emphatic denial OF a report that there
had been friction between the United
States and Great Britain, Mr.. Bryan said
there was nothing happening with re-
spect to Mexico.
Mr.. Bryan showed considerable indig-
nation at the publication OF dispatches
from Mexico City 10 the effect that the
British government had been informed
by the United States that its announced
plan of sending warships 10 Vera Cruz
would be highly disagreeable TO the
Washington government, and that, ac-
cordingly, the British cruisers were
ordered to Puerto. Mexico. and Tuxpan.
Mr. Bryan denied the report most posi-
lively, and said:
The statement published to the effect
that the State Department had protested
against the action of Great Britain in
sending two war vessels into Mexican
waters absolutely is false. and In deny
ing the statement. I desire to add con-
demnation of the publication Of state
rnents of that kind without taking time
TO inquire into their truth or falsity.
"a denial cannot reach all who may
read the statement. nor can IL prevent
discussions and editorial comments pred
icated on false statements. Surely in In
ternational affairs there ought to be
patriotic desire to promote friendly re-
lations and these cannot be promoted by
reckless publication of false statements
in regard to the acts of government off,
cials"
Mr.. Bryan seemed to have the idea that
the story was published for the purpose
OF stirring up trouble between the United
States and Mexico or this country and
Great Britain. II was recalled by cor
respondents who heard Mr.. Bryan's com
ments on the publication this morning,
that he has replied habitually when asked
regarding newspaper reports OF a similar
character that Il cannot discuss a news
paper report" II was likewise remem-
bered that before their publication dis
patches had sometimes been referred to
him for affirmation or denial. and that In
many cases he had refused TO deny, only
to make a denial within the next twenty
four rours after, instead OF before. pub
lication.
As a matter Of fact, it was said that
the relations between the government
OF Great Britain and the Washington
State Department were never so friend
ly' with regard TO Mexico as now. The
adverse comment in the American and
British press, regarding the supposed
policy Of Great Britain toward Huerta
is understood to have been partly re-
sponsible for the cordiality now exist
ing between the two governments. This
harmony applies particularly to the sit
uation on the oil coast at the present
time.
There is some anxiety here about the
situation on the border. because Of the
insistence Of the people of Fl Paso and
vicinity that they are in danger. The
gathering of a large force at Juarez
is said to be the basis of their fears.
As a result of the pleas of the FL Paso
it is probable that another reg
iment of infantry will be sent to that
city. and a regiment OF cavalry now
there relieved of city guard duty and
sent out on border patrol II is expect
ed that one of the regiments in Utah
or California will be selected, IL it is
finally decided to increase the force at
FL Paso.