Evening star., 1915-05-18
u. s. IS UNIFORMED
ON GERMAN REPLY
Not Known When Berlin Will
Make Answer to Ameri-
can Demands.
Mr.. BRYAN SILENT ON
PROTEST TO ENGLAND
Secretary Tumulty, However, Says
Further Representations Are
Not Contemplated.

Ambassador Gerard. at Berlin. has
transmitted no Indication from the
German foreign office as to when a
reply to the American note may be
expected.
Secretary Bryan said today nothing
of any Importance" had been received
from the ambassador. and that the
State Department was without advices
as to when the reply would be sent
AS to the United States seeking a
safe conduct for DR.. Bernhard Dern-
burg, when he leaves the country, Sec
retary Bryan said:
We have no official knowledge of
DR.. Dernburg." and refused to discuss
the question further.
Mr.. Bryan also refused to discuss
whether the administration was con-
sidering making further representa-
tions to Great Britain over delays to
American commerce.
Secretary Makes Denial.
Secretary Tumulty in New York last
night said that no such step was in
contemplation. Beyond this Secretary
Tumulty refused to comment on the re
port
The question of British interference
with American commerce has been un-
der discussion among Washington Off
cials for some time and 1t has been
understood by them that ultimately
efforts would be made to take the
question up with Great Britain. Sena-
tor Hoke Smith Of Georgia and others
have urged the administration to take
steps to keep England from holding
American ships in port.
Activity Of Diplomats Noted.
Diplomatic activity Of Count Won
Bernstorff. the German ambassador.
and DIR. Constantin T. Dumba, the Aus
trian ambassador, both of whom are
understood to be endeavoring to pre-
vent rupture Of friendly relations
between Germany and the United
States, is attracting much attention.
Dr. Dumba had a long conference
with Secretary Bryan and later with
other officials at the State Department
yesterday. It is known that he dis
cussed informally the situation pro-
duced by the sinking of the Lusitania
and the sending Of the American note.
and it is understood also that Secre-
tary Bryan apprised President Wilson
In New York Of the substance of the
conversation.
Later DR.. Dumba conferred with
Count Won Bernstorff.
Austria is watching with much interest
the situation with which her ally Is con-
frouted in the United States, and her in
fiuence is being used in the direction Of
assisting in peaceful settlement.
Suggestions to Home Governments.
Various suggestions have been discus
sed by the German and Austrian ambas-
sadors, and 1t lie understood that many
of them have been cabled to their home
governments Neither is informed az yet
as to the policy the German government
finally will follow.
II Is understood that Count Won
Bernstorff Is endeavoring to secure the
adoption of policy by his government
which will satisfy public opinion in Ger
many with reference to the continued use
OF the submarine as commerce destroyer
and still meet the American appeal for
humane treatment OF passengers and
crews Of belligerent vessels.
The general expectation here is that
Germany will reiterate her willingness to
abandon her present submarine warfare
on merchant ships and follow the mari
time prize laws if neutra1s will influence
the allies to permit the shipment of food
stuffs to civilians in belligerent territory
In this connection there has been some
consideration given in official quarters
here to the advisabilty Of sending note
| of protest to Great Britain against the
actual operation OF ITS fleet In enforcing
| the blockade of commerce with Germany,
While the United States in effect
| recognized the right of the allies to
maintain an effective blockade off the
German coast. it has never admitted
| their right TO interrupt trade with
neutral countries. unless it is proved 10
! be of a contraband character, with an
| ultimate enemy destination. Many nom
| contraband cargoes bound for neutrs Ia
are said to have been detained, and
A : an6t Inc M
Great Britain on the subject In the
near future would not be surprising.
according to well informed opinion
here.