New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-13
Sharp and Direct
Demand Leaves No
LOOphOIe.
WARNING SEEN
FOR GERMANY
Asks Prompt Answer
Assumes Berlin Pledge
Binds Austria.

Washington, Dec. l2.-Ihe publ
cation tonight of the note TO Aus
tria on the Ancona case has con-
vinced Washington that the break
ing off of relations IS all but certain
to follow, and follow promptly. The
note is declared by students of dip
lomatic affairs TO be practically an
ultimatum and TO be so peremptory
and TO offer SO little ground for dis
cussion that nothing save prompt
yielding by Austria or backdown
by this government can prevent n
rupture.
Germany as well as Austria may
be involved in any such break, it is
believed. The complete domination
which the Kaiser has established
over his ally is so well recognized
that Austria's reply will be consid-
cred 70 represent Germany's views,
and if, as is expected, it proves
either evasive or defiant, this gov
ernment will read into it a clear
answer 70 the whole question of sub
marine warfare. which has been de-
bated SO long and so patiently.
There is much comment here to
night OH the fact that in this, as in
the Dumba case, it is OF Austria
rather than Germany, that the long
brewing storm has broken. In both
cases there have been repeated Of
fence and much discussion with Ger
many over the issues involved, with
Austria almost completely obscured.
And in each the final issue has been
forced in a matter in which Austria
has become a first offender along
lines laid down by her ally.
Shirtsleeve Directness.
In spite of the unofficial forecasts
published in the last few days, the
sharpness and directness of the note
took Washington by surprise. There
has been much strong language used
in the notes TO Germany, but it is
conceded that nothing yet said could
be so offensive TO the power ad-
dressed as the present document. In
all except that it does not set time
limit for reply the note is an ulti-
matum. 1t makes specific demands,
threatens the breaking off OF reIa-
tions as an alternative and insists on
a prompt answer.
The note is in direct contrast with
those on tie Lusitania and Arabic
cases in its brevity and comparative
freedom from sermonizing on the
laws of humanity. In only two OF
three places are those mentioned,
and then only as being co-extensive
with international law. The entire
document is less than seven hundred
words long and states its charge and
demands with almost shirtsleeve di-
rectness.
No Room for Discussion.
Practically no room for any reply
except ~cceptance or defiance Is left.
The charge against Austria is based
on her own statement Of the case, the
assumption is carried throughout that
Germany's promise in the Arabic case
is binding also on Austria, and the
United States states its belief that
Austria would not give orders contrary
TO international Law. The only pos
sible ground for discussion so far dis
covered is the statement that Ger
many "acquiesced' n Americas posi-
tion on the submarine issue. and in the
statement that the Ancona was not.
it appears, resisting or attempting TO
escape These poin . however. diplo-
mats declare, do no: offer any ground
for prolonged deb b., or for any eva
sion Of the main i-sue.
So careful is this government to
avoid any possible ground for a denial
that Austria is involved In Germsnys
promise that the note makes no de-
mand for such a promise from Aus
tria. II IS sugge ted that Austria
failed 10 give orders in accordance
with international law. A belief is
also expressed that Austria will not
sanction or defend" lswiess course.
But she is not aske, 10 saw so. and u
Is declared by law students that should
she make a dissvo Hsl In this case
il would be tantamount 20 an adr's-
sion OF the binding effect oil Ger
msny's promise.
Abolishes German Joker.
The State Department has prepared
a. -