New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-10-21
WHITLOCK'S STATUS
NEVER QUESTIONED
Germans Glad to Have Minister
Stay-FOod for Belgians
Ready.
by cable to The Tribune

London, Oct. 20.-According to ad-
vices received at the American EN-
bassy here, through Hugh Gibson, sec
rotary of the American Legation in
Brussels, who is in London, there is
no truth in the reports that the Ger
man authorities in Belgium have ques-
toned the diplomatic status OF Min
lister Whitlock. Gibson says that up
to the time he left Brussels, q few
days ago, the legation had been &C
corded every privilege which could be
expected in times of war, and the Ger
mans seemed only too glad to have
Mr.. Whitlock remain as the United
States representative in the late seat
of the Belgian government.
Until formal proclamation of the
annexation Of Belgium by Germany is
issued, diplomatic authorities here say,
the American Minister to Belgium
must continue to exercise the func-
tions of his office in Brussels as best
he can. In any case, should the Ger
man government desire his removal, it
would be necessary 10 make repre-
sensations to Washington, as Mr..
Whitlock could not leave his post
without instructions from the State
Department. No representations TO
that effect having been made. the en-
bsssy here considers il highly unlike
Is that Germany has even considered
such action.
Mr. Gibson knows nothing Of rumors
that the Ksiser's agents in Belgium
have tried TO get Mr.. Whitlock 70 per
suade the United States TO recognize
the Kaiser as ruler Of Belgium.
The American Embassy learned from
Washington to-day that Germany had
assented to the shipment OF food for
Prussels through American diplomatic
channels. Thereupon Willard X.
Shaler. representing the Brussels re
lief committee, contracted for the pur-
chase of 100000 worth of supplies,
which will be shipped probably by the
end Of the week to Brussels and else
where in Belgium, By way of Holland.
At the same time plans are progress
ing for the formation OF permanent
American committee for the relief of
distress in Belgium. The committee
will consist of Ambassador Page. Min
lister Whitlock, Minister van Dyke and
prominent Americans in London and
DIuSStlb anu INC NOubulb III DtlB iuuls
with Thomas F. Ryan looking after the
American end. Mr.. Page has asked
President Wilson TO give the commit
tee official sanction. VI. Franqui and
Baron Lambert, members OF the Bel
gian national committee, here from
Brussels on relief work. said funds
would be available for the American
committee. They also saw Sir Edward
Grey, who assured them OF England's
approval of the plan.
W. Tranquil estimates Belgium will
need Sl.0O0,000 a month for food. The
half million now being spent comes
from the Belgians themselves.
Berlin via The Hague, Oct 20
Ambassador Gerard submitted the
representations OF Secretary Bryan
and Brand Whitlock, the American
Minister to Belgium, for the relief Of
the Belgians, to the German Foreign
Office, and received formal reply as
senting TO all the proposals. Foodstufs
will be imported by committee acting
under tho auspices of the American and
Spanish ministers at Brussels, and
will be reserved exclusively for Bel