New Britain herald., 1915-06-16

IHlL DLI Hnl MLlvI WILL PROBE HOAX (hger-Gerhard Said to be Dr. Meyer, German Purchasing Agent MWashlngton, June 16.-Published charges that Dr. Anton Meyer-Ger- hard, for whom the United States ar Tanged safe conduct with the allies |that he might return to Germany kwith a personal message from Count Von Bernstorff, the German ambassa- ydor was in reality pr. Alfred Meyer, 3chief of the supply department of the Herman army, who had been secretly 1in the United States buying munitions fof war, are to be investigated by the state department.
 Simultaneously another version of story-that pr. Alfred Meyer. Ashe not passing as Meyer Gerhard. has been in the country and sailed With the latter for Christiania, in- Hcognito, also will be looked into.
 Rernen1ber Bernstorf's Request. State department officials and aembers of the diplomatic corps here noW Of the story today only from nbhshed reporta. They recalled, pNtever that at the personal request Count Von Bernstorff, former Sec stary Bryan asked the British and French ambassadors for safe con- pct for Dr. Anton Meyer-Gerhard. representative of the German Red TOSS who was returning to Berlin carrysa personal message from the punt after the later's audience with President Wilson in the midst of the fplgmatic negotiations with Ger hany.
 MT. Jusserand, the French am has- dor, at the time inquired closely of Lever Orchards identity, and state de- rtnent officials recalled also that Sir eil Spring Rice, the British alnbas- dor had suggested that there was idence of other activity by Gerhard An Red Cross work
 U. S. Gave Letter. | AtSz 4 RSilOL Ol8 u WdS, however, that
 state department, at the request Count Non Bernstorff, gave let lt was a letter" said Secretary HSing today, that was given at the Fuest of the German ambassador, ting that Dr. Never Gerhard who
 been in this country as the rep Fenxative of the German Red Cross, sired to return to Germany.
 No question, up to that time, nor lil today, had arisen at the depart ent as to whether Meyer Gerhard gkt really be Meyer, or if Meyer E in the country secretly buying war |pplies
 Up to State Department
 At the British and French embassies vaSasaid the development was con- fered one purely for the state de- tmeT1t to determine if 1t had been &posed upon. Most of the German embassy at hes were at the summer embassy Cedar Hurst, L.. T.
 One report which referred to pr. red Meyer as purchasing arms Ee, spoke of an attempt to buy ob- ete United States army rifles and former Rep. Herman Metz had bferred with former Secretary Bry- on the subject MT. Bryan said 5aY he had no recollection of any n conversation with MT. Metz. retary Garrison said he knew of Snesotiations for the rifles and re- sated that early in the war, with approval of the president. he had olnced the United States would i'd all e1nbarrassments by decIin- to sell the arms to anyone.
 1nsolye Diplomatic Courtesy.
 The department V s-,to< the stion, not because 1t involves any ation of international law, so far officials could see today, but be- te or the charge of double identi- Were substantfated it would in-
 diplomatic usage and courtesy Emerican Red Cross officials are ined not to question the identity Dr Meyer-Gerhard They said he he bearing apparently proper let
 of introduction and with the en- eement of the German embassy
 took away with him a certifica-
 to his signature on a letter of btification as a delegate Of tho
 un Red Cross entitled to protec-
 under the Geneva convention.
 certification. however, was to his
 afufe and not his identity. Off,
 say he discussed Red Cross af-.
 flnently.
 fAN Involve Denmark Minister.
 pIne inquiry probably may be
 cted to the minister from Dem
 Constantin Brun, who is said
 ave arranged for the passage of
 ad States.
 1EEN KILLED IN