20. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)asked if any fresh information is available as to the manner in which Mr. Benton met his death in Mexico, or if further inquiries in regard thereto are contemplated; and what further steps are proposed to be taken in the matter?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe conclusions drawn by Mr. Perceval, after taking a number of depositions, are that there appears to be little room for doubt that Mr. Benton entered Villa's house about 11 a.m. on February 17th and that he was unarmed That there is no certainty as to what occurred after Mr. Benton entered the house, and that there seems to be strong reason to believe that some extremely untoward occurrence had happened there before noon, and probably soon after 11 a.m. If Mr. Benton was killed during his interview there is no room for doubt that Villa is responsible for his death, although it may have been actually inflicted by others; further, that it must have been caused by stabbing, as there is no evidence that shots were heard Nor is there evidence as to the disposal of the body. There is, however, great room for doubt whether it was ever taken to Chihuahua, and it is quite possible that it was burnt I do not consider that any further information could be obtained and do not contemplate any further inquiries As I have already stated, although it is impossible for His Majesty's Government to take any action at present, we do not intend to let the matter rest, and, as soon as by any change of circumstances it is in our power to carry the matter further, we shall take whatever steps may be practicable.