The Washington herald., 1914-03-04
|BENTON'S Death
TO Be AVENGED
England Awaits U. S. Nego-
tiations, but Will Demand
Eventual Redress.
cARRANZA IS UNHEEDED
Demand that Investigation Be Con-
Quoted Entirely by England Will
Not Be Recognized.

Special Cable to The Washington Herald.
London, March a. Gen Carranza's de-
nand that the British government should
deal with him in investigating the death
o: William s. Benton. the wealthy ranch
cr executed at Iuarez. will h disregard
ed. This was shown today by the replies
made by Sir Edward Grey, the foreign
secretary. to questions put to him In the
House of Commons, o..
The first query put was as to whether
the government had recognized Gen.
Villa, CarraEx--' chief aid, as a beIliger-
recognition had not been accorded the
rebel leader.
A subsequent question. asked by the
opposition In an attempt to learn what
the American policy would be as con-
Germs the constitutionalists. brought the
answer that the foreign secretary was
unaware that the United States had
made any declaration on this subject" I"
Warning 60 u. =. Cheered.
When pressed for an explanation of the
fact that the British had accorded recog-
milton to President Huerta. Sir Edward
explained that this action had been taken
last March because the foreign ONCE had
been advised that such recognition would
best contribute II the re-establishment
of order in Mexico.
THE governments action was In
conformity with the usual practice"
said the foreign secretary. No assur-
ances had been obtained from Huerta
regarding the protection of British
subjects"
Sir Edward was cheered when he de-
clared that Great Britain would main
tain her policy Of protecting British
subjects and made this statement,
which was regarded as significant
warning to the United States:
IF the United States does not desire
to take steps on their own behalf or
that of Great Britain, the British gov
ernment will reserve the right to itself
to secure reparation. We have no in
tention of sending a force to any part
of Mexico. but we do not intend TO
let the matter rest
This is the first formal announce
ment that the British government will
demand reparation for the death OF
Benton.
VIII Wait Developments
The foreign secretary declared that
there was every indication on the part
of the constitutionalists to conceal the
truth regarding the death of Benton.
He said that efforts to secure an inves-
tigation have failed. but that commu-
nications with the United States were
proceeding.
He did not imply in any way that the
United States was responsible for the
death Of Benton, but made II plain that
England would exact full satisfaction,
either through the agency of the United
States or by itself.
In conclusion Sir Edward said:
IF the United States thinks II proper
to act further in behalf of British sub
jects. this government will gladly await
the result. but IL the United States does
not consider il desirable to act, Benton s
violent death necessitates that the British
government do whatever 1t can in its own
behalf.
England has reserved the right to Sc
cure reparation whenever there's an OPP
portunity. but nothing Great Britain could
do would be effective under the present
conditions. 1t is impossible to secure
reparation from the Mexican government.
which does not control the territory
where Benton was killed"