Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-02-23
Intervention Would Be ''FutiIe
and Impo|itic," Govern
ment Asserts.
LOOKS TO WASHINGTON
TO PROTECT SUBJECTS
American Nation Only One 1nfuen-
tial With Rebels, Earl
Grey Declares.

cation of Mexico is an object we hon
estly desire to see accomplished. but
1t is impossible to effect it by British
Intervention. We do not intend to make
any attempt of that character. which
would be both futile and impolitic"
This is the attitude of the British
foreign Office as outlined today in the
house of commons by Francis Dyke
.Acland, parliamentary undersecretary
for foreign affairs. latter full consid-
Grafton of the series of victimiZations
of British subjects in Mexico. culmi-
mating in the removal of William s.
Benton by Villa at Juarez.
Matter Of Great Concern.
Mr.. Acland informed the house that the
British. government had been in frequent
communication with the governments Of
the United States and Mexico respecting
the protection of British lives and prop
erty in Mexico THE continued fighting
IN Mexico" he added, ''is of Very great
prejudice to British and other commercial
interests and is a matter for very great
concern.
Mr.. Acland promised to lay the papers
on the subject of Mexico before the
house of commons as soon as possible.
but he added significantly: THE most
interesting papers at the British foreign
office, however. are communications
made at various times with tn, govern
ment of the United States concerning
its policy and its views regarding Mexico.
Some of these are of a confidential char
acter and 1 cannot include them in Blue
Book without asking the consent of the
United States government
Mr.. Acland emphasized the undesira-
Of AT
which might tend to increase the chances
Of danger to British property at the
hands Of the contending parties in
Mexico
History of Benton Affair.
The history of the Benton affair, as
contained in the information furnished to
Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, British ambassador
10 the United States. by the State De-
partment at Washington, was commune
Gated in official form to the house of
commons today by Sir Edward Grey.
When the British foreign secretary re-
.ated how Sir Cecil Spring-Rice had told
Secretary of State Bryan that the public
opinion of Europe was likely to be seri-
ousIy affected by Villas attitude an en-
rouraging cheer rol ed through the house.
Sir Edward Grey added that Mr.. Bryan.
while declining responsibility for Villas
doings. had promised full inquiry. He
said details would be forthcoming. and
expressed deep regret at the occurrence
Sir Edward Grey continued:
Before this incident occurred, the
United States government had, at our re-
quest. impressed upon the leaders of the
constitutional party in Mexico the neces-
sity of respecting the lives of foreigners.
| should like to add that the fact that
We are communicating with the govern
ment of the United States does not of
course imply that it has any responsible
ity for what has taken place.
United States Alone Influential.
Communication has been made be-
.ause the United States alone in
these circumstances exercise any in
iuence TO discover the truth and get
Justice done. Juarez is close to the
United States frontier. and We have our
selves no means of exercising influence
m these regions under existing circum-
stances. I am still in communication
with the British ambassador at Washing
lion and with the United States govern
ment as to what further steps can be
, taken.
Sir John Rees asked whether Sir Ed
ward Grey had any information concern
Ing other Europeans who are said to
have disappeared in Mexico. Sir Edward
replied:
NO but / have already telegraphed to
Sir Cecil Spring-Rice suggesting for his
consideration what steps it would be pos
sible to take in this very disturbed region
to ascertain the whereabouts of these
people.
sn the course of his explanation. Sir Ed
ward Grey read !: telegram Sir Cecil
Spring Rice had received from Mrs. Ben
tor, ut FL Paso. which was as follows:
Il beg to advise your excellency that
ms husband, Benton "A British subject
yesterday went to, Juarez, and after a
heated discussion with Villa was thrown
Into Jail. A friend visited Villa on his
behalf. villa said I have not got him in
prison I saw him this morning, and de-
elined any further talk on the subject"