The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-12-17
Reply to American Note, However, Is Regarded as Entirely Unsatisfactory and Unacceptable
FURTHER DISCUSSION WILL PRECEDE ANY
 POSSIBLE RUPTURE
Second Note Will Renew Demands if Austrian Re- ply Is as Uncompromising in Text as Reported

Washington, December 16.-(Special) The reply of the Austro-Hunsarlan gov ernment to the American note regarding the destruction of the Italian vesse, by the American press. is regarded as a demurrer, entirely unsatisfactory, unae- ceptable and disappointing.
 It is authoritatively stated that this government will not enter into an ex- change of opinion with the Austro-Hun- garian government respecting the de- struction of the Ancona and the loss therein of American lives
 The sewerage of diplomatic relationship is admitted to be imminent but while the United States will not retire an inch from its formal demands for reparation, and while Austria has apparently declined to act in accordance with such demands, the idea prevails that in the end, an open rupture will not result While of ficial statement will be reserved until the reception of the Austrian reply, anxiety so apparent some days ago, IS considered today less acute. That Aus tria, possibly through the persuasion of Germany, will ultimately see the light. Is said to be the foundation for the hope of continued friendly relations.
 Should an open rupture occur, war would not necessarily follow, 1t Is de- clared. The first move would be a prompt severance of official and commercial relationship.
 FURTHER DISCUSSION ASSURED
 Persistence by Austria Hungary in the course she apparently has determined to pursue would result in the severance of d ' nj ic rala a hnf States and the Vienna government. This step would not be taken by the United States. however, it was authoritatively stated tonight, without one more coni- muncation being dispatched to Austria Hungary
 The United States is described being prepared to insist that Austria Hungary promptly comply with the demands for dsavowal. punishment of the submarine commander and reparation by payment of indemnity for the Americans killed or injured in the destruction of the Italian liner making it clear that failure will mean immediate breaking off of rela- tions.
 second note, 1t Is said. would renew the original demands and without dealing In a discussion or exchange of views would be of even more insistent nature as to the expectations of compliance without further delay.
 The state department tonight had re- ceived no official information from it's own sources that American Ambassador Penfield at Vienna had been handed the reply. From Baron Erich Zwiedinek. charge of the Austro- Hungarian embassy here, however came the information that the reply had been delivered
 AUSTRIAN COMMUNICATIONS
 Baron Zwiedinel< received wireless message from his government calling his attention to the reply and giving him, 1t was believed certain instructions as to what course to pursue. The charge called upon Secretary Lansing twice today: once during the forenoon and once in the aft ernoon, following the receipt of the wire less dispatch. On both occasions he ds- cussed the situation informally and re- ceived additional light on the views which this government holds.
 The state department received dis patch described being informative from Ambassador Penfield which de- scribed the viewpoint of the Austro-Hun- garian government and told of the feel ing of Vienna officials in regard to the American note. The dispatch. it was authoritativey explained, contained no mention of d reply having been handed to the bassador.
 The report of the ambassador was sai to be different in several respects from the press reports concerning the views or the Austro- Hungarian government. De- tails in this connection, however. were unavailable, the report being of con fidential nature
 Press dispatches from Vienna tonight saying the Austrian note was handed to Ambassador Penfield at noon yesterday made it practically certain that the docu- ment would be received at the state de- partment tomorrow. Earlier reports had given Tuesday the time 1piiverv o the ambassador.