HC Deb 27 April 1914 vol 61 cc1307-8
6. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any official information showing that General Villa used threats to compel Mr. Cummins, the British Consul at Gomez Palacio, to carry a message to Torreon demanding its surrender; and, if so, what action he has taken or proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. ACLAND

I refer the hon. Member to the first part of the answer given to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight on the 21st instant. I have nothing to add to it and the answer to the hon. Member's question is therefore in the negative.

Mr. F. HALL

Has any complaint been lodged at His Majesty's Embassy at Mexico on this very subject?

Mr. ACLAND

I do not think so, or we should have heard of it; but, as I said in the answer referred to, Mr. Cummins had ceased to be British Vice-Consul before this incident took place.