asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any assurance has been received from the United States Government that it will not recognise any Government which may be set up in Mexico in consequence of any agreement come to between the present provisional Government and the Constitutional party, unless guarantees are given which ensure the punishment of those responsible for the murder of Mr. Benton?

The murder of a British subject is not a matter in which I can ask for assurances of this general character from a foreign Government outside the country in which the murder took place.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not previously stated that General Villa would be called sternly to account, notwithstanding anything in connection with the Munroe doctrine, and what course the Government intend to take?

I do not see how the Munroe doctrine comes into the question at all. My recollection is that I said we would take the matter up when there is settled government in Mexico.

Have no steps been taken to recognise the Mexican Government?

That is so. At the present moment we are taking no steps towards the recognition of any Government in Mexico.