Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1914-12-27
ASKS RECOGNITION
OF RULE IN BELGIUM
Kaiser Demands Neutral Nations As
sumo Sovereignty of Germans
in Conquered State.
q. s. STAND IS NOT YET TAKEN
American Position Not Defined at
just This Time-BritIsh Author
tiles Are Surprised,

WASHINGTON. Dec. 2b.-Germany has
notified some of the neutral countries
having consuls in Belgian territory now
under German military authority, that
the exequaturs crediting the consuls to
Belgium will not be recognized further,
though provisional recognition will be
granted to those whose countries so do
sire.
Representatives OF South American re-
publlcs have informed Secretary Bryan
of the receipt OF such notice from Ger
many. but State department officials Baid
tonight they knew of no communication
on this subject being received here. It
is believed I'm diplomatic circles. however,
that the notice is on its way to all pow
ers whose consuls would be affected
American Attitude.
The attitude to be assumed by the
American republics toward this action Is
expected TO be considered by the Pan
American commission, composed OF Sec
retary Bryan and eight other members
OF the governing board of the Pan-Amer-
lean union, recently named to study ques-
tions relating to neutrality of the western
hemisphere. Diplomatic say the subject
is one of exceeding dellcacy and one in
regard 10 which the American countries
would desire TO act in unity.
II became known tonight that all the
members OF the Pan-American commits
sion already have peen apprised of the
German notification. A special commits
sion OF three membeis. II was said. might
be selected to give preliminary study 10
tho matter and report to the full COM
mission.
In tho meantime constant cable COM
munication between the ambassadors and
ministers here and their governments will
be maintained. but the former will bo
guided largely by the opinions and de-
sires Of their respective governments.
Up to this point tho American govern
ments view regarding any change in
the exequature OF diplomatic and consul
lar officers in Belgium resulting from
the German occupation has been that the
cases OF the consuls and that OF Brand
Whltock, the American minister, would
be dealt with separately.
Consuls who are transacting local busi-
ness. 1t has been pointed out. deal with
tho de facto government which now In
exsquatars should be cancelled by Ger
many and they proceeded TO deal with
that government as being In de facto
control OF Belgium. that officials point
out. would In no way recognize for the
United States a German government over
Belgium.
Brand Whitlock tho American minister,
however, has up 20 this point. been re-
garded as the minister OF the United
States TO the Belgian government wher-
ever II exists and hts case, therefore. is
more complex. Tho situation has not yet
come up for decision, but the legal ex-
perts OF the American government are
following 1t.
British Authorities Surprised.
LONDON. Dec. 26.-The British Au-
thorities have been advised OF Germany's
notification to neutral governments that
IL will no longer recognize the exequatuTs
crediting their consuls to Belgium.
This action has created some surprise
in England. where Il is regarded as
preliminary step TO the official taking
over OF Belgium by the Germans. The re-
suit OF this action probably would be the
refusal TO recognize Brand whitlock. the
American minister at Brussels. or the
marquis OF Villalobar. the Spanish min
lister. as diplimatistS accredited 70 Bel
gium.
Page without Advice.
W. n. Page. the American ambassador
here. Is without advices In the situation.
Nevertheless great interest Is manifesto
In London as TO the probable action OF the
American government II Germany grants
only provisional recognition to neutral
nonauIa