File No. 312.41/149.
The British Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Washington, February 27, 1914.
Dear Mr. Secretary: Referring to my letter of yesterday’s date on the subject of the Benton case, I beg to add that I have received a telegram from Sir Edward Grey, His Majesty’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. Sir Edward tells me that although restrained, popular feeling in England is very strong and His Majesty’s Government will be expected to make a fuller statement in Parliament next week. The course adopted by Villa up till now, the details of which you have so kindly communicated to me by word and letter, appears to Sir Edward to raise a very strong presumption of his guilt. If that guilt is established or has to be presumed from the evidence, Sir Edward tells me that he will be obliged to make a statement next week in Parliament to the effect that, although it is not the intention of His Majesty’s Government for obvious reasons to take any action themselves against Villa at the present moment, they will not let the matter rest and will do their best to see that justice is secured at the earliest possible opportunity.
I am not instructed to make any communication to your Government, but I think it right to put you in possession of the views of my Government so that there may not be any misunderstanding.
I am [etc.]