New-York tribune., 1915-12-07
Holds 1t Is Not Re-
quired TO Give
Explanation.
SAY GERMANS
SEEK SOURCES
Officials Declare Request
Aims to Learn Who
Were lnfOrmantS.
rFrom TIE Tribune BuriuI


Washington, Zee. 6.-The State
Department made no attempt to-day
to minimize the dangers Of the dip
lomatic situation confronting the
United States and Germany High
officials admitted that in view Of the
Unprecedented attitude of the Ger
man government a crisis was easily
possible as a result Of the demand
for the recall of Captains Won Papen
and Boy-Ed.
Ambassador Won Bernstorff in
formed the department to-day that
before recalling the two attaches his
government would ask the reasons
why they were unacceptable. This
message was almost identical with
one which reached the department
last night from Ambassador Gerard.
The State Department admitted
the receipt of these communication
anC authorized the statement that
the desired information would not
be furnished. TO do so. it was de-
clared, would disclose the sources of
this governments information and
lead TO more complications. The
department reiterated the statement
that international law did not re-
quire the disclosure Of the reasons
for demanding the recall Of a diplo.
mat.
Precedent Fayors Move.
The phrase persona non grata,"
the department holds, signifies
merely mental attitude" which
may be produced by variety of
causes. The history of diplomacy
records many cases Of dismissal of
diplomats for no better reason than
personal temper or character.
Unless, therefore, Germany with
draws the demand or considers the
public statements Of the department
satisfactory, it will be necessary for
this government TO hand von Papen
and Boy-Ed their passports and de-
port them. To do this it would not
be necessary to obtain safe conducts
from the Allied Powers, as under
international law diplomats on
mission are immune from molesta-
tion.
The German view, as made known
here tonight by persons qualified
10 express it, is that international
law is no warranty in the face Of
Great Britain's "illegal blockade
and that the United States would be
morally responsible if the two at
taches should be detained in passage
to Germany. The German govern
n1ent will expect this government
not only TO insure the safe return
of Won Papen and Boy-Ed, but also
the arrival Of their successors in
this country.
This attitude is totally at vari-
ance with that Of Secretary Ian.
sing, who will act on the principle
that the responsibility Of the United
States ceases when Boy-Ed and Won
Papen leave its territorial jurisdic-
ton.
Won Bernstorff Eliminated.
Ambassado Won Bernstors ceased to-
day 70 be a factor in the situation. Al
.hough the negotiations are being con-
Quoted through him. he is acting mere
IS as a medium. and in his communica-
tons 20 the State Department will fol-
low strictly his instructions from Ber-
lin. The departments announcement
hat the recall Of the attaches was
asked because Of improper military
and naval activities absolves the AM
basssdor from any suspicion Of COM
plicity, and Ambassador Gerard's mes
sage Indicated that Won Bernstorft's at
t;tude was ordered from Berlin.
Secretary Lansing gave 20 the Ger
man Ambassador to-day copy OF the
steuographic report Of the Buenz trial,
This report. he stated. shows that As
sistant District Attorney Wood made
no such illusions to Boyd as were
quoted In the press, and demonstrates
TINT tho rcyelations in the courtroom