The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1915-06-03
GERMAN AMBASSADOR
COAFEaS WITH WILSON
CONTINUED from Page ~

curry would lead. it was predicted in
ofnclal quarters, to a severance of
diplomatic relations on the ground
that the United States would not
continue intercourse with a govern
ment which %repudiated these princi-
pies. Steps then would be taken to
inform Americans of the dangers to
which they were exposed as Il re-
suit OF this action and such measures
as necessary would be adopted to
safeguard the lives and interests of
citizens of the United States.
Should Germany accept the prin.
ciples in Il way that would consti-
tute a guaranty in the future, the
American government would reiter-
ate its demand for "strict account
ability" for violations OF this prin-
ciple and the killing OF Americans
in %torpedoing without warning OF the
Lusitania.
The decision to base the American
note on the principles of internation-
al law; to obtain an affirmative or
negative reply and not enter into a
technical discussion of details raised
In the German communication, which
avoided the main issues. was the
single development of the cabinet
council. Some of the members fav-
ored even excluding any reference 10
the facts asked fer by GERMANY, set
Ting first the point as to whether
Germany intended to disregard the
American warning of last February
that it would insist on the exercise
OF the right of visit and search with
respect to vessels on which Ameri-
scans were travelling.
One cabinet officer believed the
american government should enter
into an investigation of the points
raised by the German answer, sub
hitting its proof and giving sthe
German government an opportunity
to do likewise. Others, however. de-
clared that such a process would only
mean delay and that. in the event
OF a deadlock on facts, it would leave
the United States, which had already
assured itself of the authenticity of
its information and whose good
faith was at stake, without remedy
for the present and in the future at
tacks on American vessels might be
committed notwithstanding assur-
ances to the contrary. The opinion
was general that the United States
would restate during the course of
It's note that the I4us!tania was I'M
armed and would ignore such ques-
tons as TO whether the carriage of
ammunition is a violation of Ameri-
can law.
BcrnstorG to Call.
Today Count Won Bernstorff, the
German ambassador, will call on
president Wilson. The ambassador
requested the interview. 1t will be
his first visit since he returned from
Germany after the European war
began. lie declined to say what he
proposed. to discuss, but revealed
that his action was taken without in
%structions from his government.
In well informed quarters the be-
lief was expressed that while the
ambassadors visit might not affect
the forthcoming note, what the pres
ident might say informally to the
ambassador would be transmitted to
the German government and be TAX
en- into consideration when the Am.
erican communication is received in
Berlin. 1t was thought likely that
Mr.. Wilson would seek to impress
upon the ambassador the earnest In
ltention and %unvarying determination
of the United States to obtain an
accountability for pas violations OF
its rights by the German navy and
"A guaranty against their repetition.
In some diplomatic quarters close