New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-07-25
Think Stand on
Submarine as
Broader Range.
GERMAN CHANCE
TO BE u. S. ALLY
May Cooperate Toward
Freedom of Seas for
Neutral Shipping.
From II. Trituns Bureau ]

Washington, July 24-Great Britain
s. well as her enemies must read a
solemn warning in the note just dis
ratched 70 Germany This is the opin-
ion Of many officials who studied the
note to-day and believe the document
is not only a final disposition Of the
German controversy, but statement OF
position which this government is
prepared TO back up TO the letter, no
matter who may be affected.
Much comment was called forth by
the passage in which the United States
Invites the practical cooperation OF
Germany "at this time when co-opera-
tion may accomplish most and this
great common object the freedom of
the sea- be most strikingly and effec-
lively achieved
Officials interpret this to mean that
if the German government will abb e
ty the rules Of international law in
rrosecuting her submarine warfare, the
United States will undertake TO compel
observance Of the same principles by
Great Britain. Il gives Germany an
excellent opportunity to make virtually
"a ally Of the United States. officials
cay, and puts England al once on the
defensive.
Diplomats here are anxious to see
whether the German Foreign Office will
have the farslghtedness 10 grasp this
opportunity. Good judgment, they
mink. should dictate such a policy, a as
Germany would have a great deal ore
20 gain thereby than by the unlawful
practice of destroying ships without
warning. which up TO this time has
netted little in a military way.
Chance TO Raise Blockade.
By forcing the United States to pros
ecute its grievances against England,
on the other hand, they might be in
strumental in raising TO a certain eX-
tent the blockade that has cut Ger
many of from trade not only with the
United States but with the neutrals OF
Europe.
The United States is prepared to
call Great Britain sharply to account
for unlawful operations against neut-
Ial commerce, but has been prevented
from doing so up TO now by German
obstinacy in refusing satisfaction on
the submarine issue.
Il is believed now that the question
is disposed Of unless Germany reverts
20 the methods that destroyed the
Lusitaria. II is confidently expected
that she will not do this.
great many read in the note a
threat 10 Great Britain of increased
strenuousness in prosecuting Amerl-
can claims, although they say the
passages in the note in which this is
suggested are intended for popular
consumption in Germany. The state
ment that this government will, with
out compromise and at any cost" con-
tnue 90 contend for the freedom OF
the seas from whatever quarter vio
lated they think, pledges the United
States , action more vigorous than
faS been asserted in the past in sup
port Of Us contentious.
Those who hold this opinion, how
ever, point 10 the fact that the difficult
ties with Great Britain are of highly
technical nature, involving principles Of
International law which have never
been precisely defined. The whole
question Of the legality of the long dis
iance blockade, they say is one that can
not be settled by reference to specific
documents and precedents. For this
reason tho negotiations with Great
Britain are necessarily slow and cannot
par'ake Of a spectacular or even Popu-
Tar nature, as the loss Of American
lives is not involved.
Solution LabOriOus Task.
What this government can and will
attempt 20 DO with regard 10 Great
Britain, IL is believed, is TO insist first
Of all on the principle that all the dis
puted points must be settled according
10 the law Of nations. When this IS
concluded by Great Britain a great deal
viii have been accomplished, but the
solution Of the problem will not by any
means have been reached. The inter
pretation Of the law TO mutual satls-
faction will be a minute and laborious
task.
How the German people will look
upon our latest note is of tremendous
interest here. as il is believed the
German government will probably guide
popular opinion in the channel IT desires
it 20 follow. Diplomats think the au-
lhortics in Berlin would play a trump
card in regarding the note as great
concession from the United States and
in allowing this impression 10 trlckle
'hfougb the press TO the people OF the
empire
In this way not only would friendly
feeling be preserved, but the German
government would get credit for skilful
GOnfinued nn mage B.. column