Evening star., 1915-12-24
U. S. to Investigate Charge
That Yasaka Maru Was Tor
pedoed Without Warning.
INCIDENT is REGARDED
SPECIALLY DEPLORABL
Reopens Discussion With Austria
Hungary of Entire Question Of
Submarine Warfare.

The sinking of the japanese
liner Yasaka Maru in the Medi-
terranean, reported torpedoed
without warning. will be made the
subject of an inquiry by the
United States. Consular agents
will be asked to obtain accurate
versions of the incident and for
| ward them without delay to the
State Department.
The State Departments inquiry in the
case is based solely on reports that the
liner had an American passenger
aboard. Although he was reported
| rescued. it is felt that if the liner was
torpedoed without warning his life was
endangered.
Should reports that the vessel was
the submarine was an Austrian be veri-
fed officially. it is said further diplo-
matte correspondence with Austria
Hungary undoubtedly will ensue, in
| warning will be discussed and demand
again be made that American lives be
not placed in peril by such practices.
Not Officially Reported.
No official information of the incident
had reached the State Department to-
day. 1t was felt, however, that press
dispatches contained statements which
warranted prompt investigation. If
the dispatches were corroborated in
all details. 1t was said, the United
States would take UP with Austria
Hungary the question of torpedoing
ships without warning. and will de-
mand assurances that the practice will
be discontinued as being contrary to
rules of international law and prin-
ciples of humanity.
Coming at time when officials be-
lieved the controversy over the An
coma on the road to amicable settle
ment. the Yasaka Maru incident is re-
garded as being especially deplorable.
Officials believe that Austria Hun
gary has no desire to break with the
United States and will yield to such
demands. Baron Erich Zwiedinek.
charge of the Alstro- Hungarian en-
Secretary Lansing during a recent con-
ference over the Ancona.
Baron at State Department.
Baron Zwiedinek called again upon
the Secretary today and discussed.
with other things, the press reports
regarding the sinking of the Yasaka
Maru. Although he was said to pos
sess no official advices from his gov
eminent concerning the incident. 1t is
that he doubted the statement that the
ship had not been warned, IL 1t were
an Austrian submarine that sank the
vessel
confirm press accounts the entire ques
tion of submarine warfare undoubted-
ly will be taken up with Austria Hun
gary. The State Department consid-
ers that the Austro- Hungarian govern
ment should have knowledge of the in
structions given to German submarine
commanders. In addition. 1t is felt
that the Vienna government should be
thoroughly familiar itself with the
principles of international law whicn
were made the basis of negotiations
recently between the United States and
Germany.
Confidential Message Delivered.
After comforting at some length with
Secretary Lansing, Baron Zwiedinek re-
turned to the embassy and spent
half hour preparing communication.
which was delivered to Secretary
Lansing by messenger 1t could not be
ascertained what the communication
contained. the Secretary. saving that
Z
Baron Zwiedinek denied himself to
callers today.
Treasure on japanese Steamer.
TOXIC, December 24-The Japanese
steamer Yasaka Maru. which was sunk
Tuesday in the Mediterranean b: q
submarine, Is said to have carried e.
100000 yen in Japanese gold. The in
surance on the vessel amounts to
5,6O0.800 yen.
The Nippon Yusen Kaisha, owners of
\ feasibility Of abandoning the Suez
canal for future sailings of their ves-
sells in favor of q route around the
Cape Of Good Hope.
May influence Mr.. Wilson.
LONDON, December 24.-Comnenting
editorially on the sinking Of the Japanese
ranean by a submarine, the Standard
says:
This fresh outrage will rob any dis
avowaI BY the Austrian government OF
the act of officer who sank the AncOna of
any virtue. Even IL there were no Ameri-
can passengers aboard the Yasaka Maru,
| the circumstances OF he'd destruction can
hardly be absent from the mind Of Presi-
dent Wilson when he comes to determine
the next step in the controversy with
the central powers"
German U-Boat, Is Claim.
ROME. December 24.-News reports
from Egypt concerning the sinking of
| the japanese steamer Yasaka Maru by
| a submarine in the east Mediterranean
| last Tuesday refer to the nationality
of the submersible as German.
PLACED IN COURTS HANDS,