The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-17

TO them as reasonably clear. II APP
peared from this outline that Austria
wishes n bill of particulars from the
United States, proposes an exchange Of
opinion AZ to whether the commander
committed an illegal and indefensible
act" and expresses a willingness to dis
cuss the facts.
has not complied with a single one of
the demands laid down by his Govern
ment: that is, che has not denounced the
act, she has not expressed her willing
mesa to punish the submarine commander
and she has not consented to make
r~cparation. These are the three demands
which the United States made on Aus
tria, and failure to comply with them
must. in the opinion of Washington Of
fcials, lead Inevitably to a severing Of
diplomatic relations.
Although in American Official circles
there was no disposition to doubt the
authenticity Of the press reports pur-
porting to give portions Of the Austrian
reply. there was a disposition in Ger
man diplomatic quarters to question this
and to believe that the Official text may
prove less Objectionable than the fore
casts.
During the day the Austrian Charge
d'Afaires was twice In conference with
Secretary Lansing. Although neither
would disclose what took place at these
Interviews 1t is understood that Baron
Iwiedinck Informed the Secretary that
he was without any Information from
Vienna. but desired to know what would
DO the probable stand Of the United
states II the official text OF the reply
bore out the press reports. 1t Is be-
lieved he was given practically to un-
derstand what Is set forth above.
At the State Department little pa
tience is shown toward the statement
in the reply that Austria does not con-
slider that she was officially notified Of
the position taken by the United States
I'm the submarine controversy with Ger
nan
II was reiterated to-day that In des-
patching the note to Germany the De-
partment followed the usual practice Of
sending copies OF these communication
to all diplomatic representatives ac-
credited 20 this country. and hat this
practice always has been regarded as an
official method Of acquainting these dip
lomats with the position of the Cnted
States In diplomatic controversies II
the Austrian Embassy failed to send this
Information TO the Austrian Govern
ment. II was pointed out. II was an un-
usual oversight.
On the other hand. considerable In
teItst 10 Hlttflilcbteu III OItCiaA QuhI toro
In the statement said to be In the Aus
TRAN reply that the Austrian Govern
ment does not consider itself bound BY
any precedcnts set up as q result Of
the argument between the United States
and Germany: Anything short OF ap-
prevail by Austria Of the principles finally
recognized by Germany. officials here
believe, will make It impossible for the
United States n Austrias to reach an
agreement.
That President Wilson does not an
ticipate an immediate rupture in the
relations between the two countries Is
indicated by the fact that he has made
no move to postpone his wedding trip
or curtail II. He will discuss the whole
situation with the Cabinet at to-morrow's
meeting and. It Is understood. will instruct
Secretary Lansing In the event Of any
sudden and unlocked for development to
notify him at once. II necessary. !. Is
said the Secretary will 20 10 the Presi.
dent to confer with MIN