The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-29
Gerard Reports German
Reply to u. S. Favorable
Note, 1t Is Said Will Propose Plans for Protecting
American Lives and Vessels, But Won't Promise
End of Submarine Operations.


WASHINGTON. June 2s.-Onicials at
the state Department made it known
to-day that Ambassador Gerard has re-
ported Othat indications in Berlin are
that ths'German reply to President Will
sons note on the submarine issue will
be favorable"
The details of Ambassador Gerard's 8
report. the first on the subject since the
receipt OF the Presidents note In Ber-
lin. were not disclosed by Department
officials and 1t Is not known whether
or not he foreo asted the probable terms
OF the coming German note. lie did
not indicate when the note would be
sent forward. but the expectation here
is that It will be about ten days at least
before the German note IL received.
The Ambassadors prediction that the
note would be favorable" is not re-
garded as meaning that the German
Government has decided to grant the de-
mands Of President Wilson In regard to
her submarine operations. It In inter-
preted only as indicating that the atti.
tude Of the German Government IL most
friendly and conciliatory and that Ger
many will endeavor to submit proposals
for an adjustment OF the situation such
ss the United States can accept.
Officials now feel confident that all
danger OF a break between the two Gov
ernments on the submarine issue is prac-
tically over as long as Germany con-
tinues in what Is understood TO be her
present frame OF mind.
Publicity = Surprise.
That the State Department should
have made known the purport OF Am
bassador Gersrd's despatch Is regarded
az significant in itself. Heretofore It
has been secretive with respect to his
communications on the submarine ques-
ton. In view OF the general agreement
ceding to the United States anything
more than a proposal for safeguarding
American lives under certain conditions
the statement of officials to-day that
expected is taken to mean that any
reply which averts a break. though It
does not satisfy the Presidents demands.
would lie classed In the "favora BILE"
category.
As matter OF fact. II is generally
admitted here that provided there are
no further submarine attacks that i'm
hA 10
longer TO be regarded as one endan-
gering the good relations OF the two
Governments and that discussion OF
II Is likely to continue from now on
until the end OF the war.
According to information received
here. Germany will propose TO the United
States the institution OF system Of
certiication and Identification OF Amer
lean vessels not carrying any contra
band OF war. Germany. IL is UNDER
stood. is willing to pledge herself not
10 attack any such vessels with her
submarines.
A month ago officials declared that
any such proposal would fail utterly 70
meet the issue and indicated that II
would be entirely unacceptable to th-
United states. There now IL reason TO
believe that the President would at least
make reply to such a proposal. thus
probably opening the way to further dis
cussion
The Blockade Feature.
The second feature OF the German
reply will be renewal OF her invitation
TO the United States to eliminate the
menace OF the German submarine opera
tions by getting Great Britain to adon,
less restrictive policy with regard -
trade between Germany and the outside
world II is known that the German
note will dwell at great length on Ger
many's grievances against England on
the sea and call upon the United States
as the defender OF neutral rights to call
upon Great Britain TO respect thess
rights.
Germany has all along insisted that
she was ready to abandon her submarine
operations as soon as the British would
permit food and raw materials to enter
Germany, There Is no prospect that tho
President is any more willing now than
he was several weeks ago to speak t.
Great Britain on behalf OF Germany In
this regard or bargain for the respec;
OF American rights. He has offered,
however. to transmit to Great Brtall
anything which the German Government