Balfour stated in the House that the blockade, if necessary, will be carried on on different portions of the coast by the two fleets independently, and not acting as one force.
Sir Charles Dilke asked whether it was true that the United States had declined to submit to being in the position of a neutral where there were no belligerents.
Mr. Balfour replied that the question referred to the controversy when ther international law recognises a pacific blockade. Evidently a blockade involves a state of war.—Speciat service, London, 18th December.
A series of questions were ud, dressed to Mr. Bilfour in the Hous. and elicited replies, implying tha' the Government regards a state o wares existing with Venezuela, Mr. Balfour remarked that without a state of war you cannot seize vessels and added that if necessary the fleet would blockade the coast, Mr. Healy asked whether the United States Government assented to the exclusion of its vessels by the blockade. To this Mr. Balfour replied that neutral Powers are not consulted when a state of war exists—Erclusive service.
London vid Bombay, 18th December.
It is announced at Washington that America will not resist. the blockade of the Venezuelan coast if the Powers enforcing the blockade: recognise a state of war. 7 Owing to pressure of work, Mr. Bowen, the American Minister at Caracas, has instructed Admiral Dewey to send a competent officer to Caracas as assistant Minister, on board a destroyer, which can serve as a dispatch buat in the event of th cable being cut—Reuter.
19th December France has notified the Powers that any provision for settlement (? of the Venezuelan troubles) must recognise the pre-eminence of French claims,—Reuter.
Later.
President Castro has invested Mr. Bowen, the U. S. Minister, with full wers to effect a settlement with rear Britain and Germany.
This and other indications that Venezuela is disposed to yield have been received with satisfaction in England, where the ce-operation with Germany is greatly disliked.—Reuter.
don, 19th December.
An answer to the arbitration is momentarily expected at Caracas; if it is accepted, Mr. Bowen goes to Washington where" conference will' be held.—Eaclusive service.
London vid Bombay, 20th December.
Great Britain has replied to the. suggestion of the United States regarding the arbitration of the difficulty with Venezuela in a manner which renders a' satisfactory settle-. ment probable, but will only deal, with the United States, ignoring President Castro entirely. Germany and Italy have replied in similar: terms, An extensive exchange of views" regarding its form and conditions is still proceeding preparatory to the drawing up of ajoint reply.—Reuter, 22nd December.
Great Britain and Germany have proclaimed the blockade of Venezuela, which will not be relaxed until Venezuela gives some sort of a guars antee of her bona fides and readiness to satisfy the claims of the Powers.
It is suggested that President Ronsevelt be asked to arbitrate. The suggestion has been transmitted to President Castro who has accepted it.
Three Venezuelan schooners have already been seized by British vessels under the blockade.—Reuter, London, 23rd December.
Great Britain and Germany transmitted to the United States to-day
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.