Omaha daily bee., 1915-02-06
KAICER'S LATEST
MOVE DISCUSSED
BY THE CABINET
Extension Of Naval War Zone is
Considered in Washington Most
Serious Development
IT PRESENTS NEW PROBLEMS
Submarines Were Not Factors in
Warfare When international
Prize Rules We're Made.
PROTEST IS NOT PROBABLE NOW

MASHlNGTON, Fen. 0.-Ger-
many's declaration OF naval war
zone around Great Britain and Ire
land, including the English channel
and the northern passage by the
Shetland islands, is regarded here as
one OF the most serious developments
of the war.
1t was regarded as highly possible
for one thing, that 1t would hasten
the movement begun by the Latin
American countries for a speedy con-
ference of neutral states to devise
means to reduce losses to neutral
commerce 70 a minimum.
At first there we're some intima-
tions in administration circles that
1t might be the subject OF a protest
by the United States, but the official
view developed that. there was little
or no ground for that, and II was
recalled that no protest was made
when the North Sea was strewn with
mines.
Sweden. Norway. Denmark and Holland
have repeatedly addressed the State de
partment here TO gain American backing
for measures TO relieve distress In their
commerce and the latest German procla-
nation Is expected 10 cause a redoubled
effort for measures to protect themselves.
Lansing Acts for Bryan.
Counselor Lansing OF the state depart
k.Al rhaiR n thu
cabinet meeting today.
Neither the State department nor the
Germany embassy had received the latest
Berlin admiralty statement and II was
stated at the German embassy that the
Berlin foreign office probably would de-
liver copies to diplomatic representatives
In Berlin and regard that notice as sur
ficient Yesterdays proclamation is an
extension Of q former one delivered by
Ambassador Gerard applying TO the north
and west coasts OF France.
There Is no precedent in dealing with
the question because heretofore subma-
rines have played no important part in
warfare and all of the rules OF interna-
tional law are framed with special refer
ence to ordinary ships. The ordinary prac-
tees in taking prizes and dealing with
The merchant ships of an enemy. which
It is not feasible to take az priEes. are
clearly set out and established by long
usage. The merchantmen must be halted.
boarded and either made prize or sunk.
But I'm the latter case crew and passen-
gers must be taken off hi
While Il was noticeable the proclama-
tion Is directed against enemy ships'
and applies TO neutral ships, only when
the attacks were meant for enemy
ships" through suspicion OF misuse OF
the neutral flags. officials expressed
grave concern over the implied threat 20
sink merchant vessels. probably without
warning or taking off Of noncombatant
passengers and crews.
During consideration OF the subject by
the State department American mariners
probably VIII be expected TO heed the
German warning and enter forbidden
waters only at their own risk, precisely
what they have been doing IN the North
sea since notice several months ago,
from both the British and German gov
ernments that owing to the planting OF
mines II would be regarded as within the
war zone.
The notice from the British govern
ment that II is contemplating retaliation
against German trade. though not for
mally before the State department has
given rise to much speculation on the
part OF officials as TO what the British
have in mind.
Although II has been denied that Of
fetal declaration that food supplies are
contraband has been issued Il is believed
the British notice forecasts the speedy
issue OF some such declaration. And. in
addition 20 this trying TO cut off Ger
many's supply by water. II Is believed to
be possible that the British may make
the blow more severe by prohibiting the
transportation Of cotton to Germany
Cotton Is a base OF some forms OF
smokeless powder. as we'll as the high
explosive gun cotton used In the war
heads OF torpedo and submarine mines
Aside from deprlvlng Germany Of that
necessary article. the British enforcement
OF such an order would deal a heavy
blow TO the German textile factories
which are now Just beginning TO receive
almost normal supplies from the United
States
/ Officials did not view the German
proclamation as a threat to destroy neu-
trail ships II found In the war gone, but
as a warning that all ships entered there
4