Arizona republican., 1914-02-27
President Wilson Takes Pc sition to Send Any Armed Body into Mexico With out Consent Would Start Trouble
NO CHANG
 IN POLICY
Word Comes from Villa That He is Willing the Proper Commission Shall Examine Benton's Body, But Not Remove It

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.-Presi- dent Wilson took the position today that for the United States 10 send marines or an armed force of any kind into Mexico without the con- sent of the governing authorities " ould be an act of war. He emphat- ically asserted that permission had never been sought of General Huerta or General CarranZa and indicated that no request of that nature would be made in the near future.
 The president announced. too, that no change in the policy of the Amer ican government toward Mexico had been decided upon. The president had been asked about reports that American troops might be sent across the border to recover the body of William s. Benton, the British sub ject recently executed at Juarez and concerning published dispatches that the United States contemplated send ing marines to Mexico City to guard the American embassy. One press dispatch, saying that General Huerta lad stated today that he had refused permission to the United States to send two thousand marines to Mex ico City was shown President Will son. who said it was untrue that such a request had been made.
 Administration officials expressed the opinion that Huerta was probably inspired to the statement about the American marines at this time mere ly for it's effect upon the Mexican people. whom he hoped to impress with his antipathy to the American government, as it is well known that permission to land legation guards has been freely accorded by Huerta to other nations, including England and Germany.
 The president explained that the talk of sending marines to Mexico City had never gotten beyond the stage of mere discussion among the administration officials. He said that when Great Britain and Germany sent marines to Mexico City to guard their legations, although the United States was apprised in advance of the step and offered no objections, there was a natural disposition here to determine if the American govern ment should take similar action. His information, he added. was that Mex ico City is quiet and that there is no danger to foreigners. while Charge O'Shaughnessy as well as Rear Ad- miral Fletcher. asked for their opin- ions about an embassy guard, both advised that such a step was not necessary.
 It was clearly realized by the ad- ministration here at the time dis cussion began, that to ask the Huerta government for permission to land marines would involve recognition of that government.
 The president views the general situation in Mexico as far as the pro- gress of the revolution is concerned as but little changed. Huerta's re- sources, he thinks, have weakened and he has learned of an undertone of dissatisfaction among Mexicans in the territory controlled by Huerta at the latters arbitrary exactions of funds. He let it be known that he had inquired into reports about American financial aid to Carranza and is convinced that there was no barter in the concessions between Carranza and American financiers. MT. Wilson presumes Carranza is getting most of his funds by internal taxa ton and import duties.
 Upon the Benton episode the presi- 1 6ent had little information to reveal He said the United States govern ment is slowly finding out details. and it's course in the meantime. must necessarily be a patient one. No reply has been received to the requests for the surrender of Ben tons body or for information as to where the grave is located, or as to whether a British representative will be permitted to accompany the American consul and an army sur surgeon when the body is exhumed
 (Capfip,,al froro DaUa Tro1