The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-07-07
Wishes to Engage in Informal
lnterchanges on Submarine
Warfare Before Sending Note
SAFEGUARD AMERICANS
ON PASSENGER SHIPS
But American Demand Is That
Neutral Lives Shall Not Be
Jeopardized on Amy Unarm-
ed Craft on High Seas

Washington. July ga new turn
was given to the German submarine
issue today when the State Depart
ment received what amounted to an
invitation from the German foreign
office to engage in informal exchanges
prior to the sending by Germany of
her reply 10 President Wilson's note
OF June 3,
That this move by Germany will re-
suit in more talk and more delay
is the expectation here. Ever since
the submarine issue was raised, Ger
many. according to the view held here.
has been DESTROYS of entering G,on
lengthy discussion of the case. Such
q course at first seemed entirely unac-
ceptabie TO the United States, but re-
Gently there have been indications that
the administration would not be adj
verse to further delay and discussion
IL this gave promise of a more sat
isfactory result In the end
Today's invitation came In the form
of a message from Ambassador
Gerard outlining the German position
as explained to him at the foreign
Office. This message was transmitted
to President Wilson at Cornish. The
President himself will dictate what
the ambassador with be authorized to
reply to the officials of the German
foreign Office. Whether the President
will do this at Cornish, or will delay
the sending of instructions to Mr..
Gerard until he returns to Washing
ton so that he may discussstfe matter
with Secretary OF state Lansing and
other advisers. was not known to of
ficials here today. II Ia likely. how
ever. that the President will send In
strnetions from Cornish.
Nos Dfspleassur m Dfyacaals
Although Is II admitted that Ger
many has not responded to the Preei-
dents request for prompt action" 1t
was apparent today that Germany's
move In seeking preliminary ~.-
changes In advance OF the sending of
her note liz not at all displeasing to
officials here. IL is not understood that
the German statement OF position
promises the granting OF Presiden
Wilson's demands. but 1t Il felt that
informal discussion will make II less
fikeir-thau ever that there witt be
rupture between the two governments
Consequently. even though the eN
changes mav not result in an actual
settlement, they are expected 10 mint
mize the danger of the situation as
regards the friendly relations OF the
two governments. 1t Is believed too.
that such discussion may open up all
SRTts bi HnSSlbfitttCS anu C2fa Ap HV
harm. while II NAV do much good.
1t was learned officiaiiy today that
the statement transmitted by Ann
ba seador Gerard containing the propo-
sails on which Germany would like TO
sound the United States does not diff
fer radically from other expressions of
Germany's views, which have been
coming out of Berlin for more than
two weeks. The conclusion drawn
here from evidence now at hand Is
that Germany does not desire war
with the United States. but liz de-
termined not to modify or restrict her
submarine operations, and Is endeav-
oring to strike an attitude which will
satisfy this Government, and at the
anne time preserve the submarine pro-
gram intact AS II has been stated
here, Germany IL trying to eat her
cake and have 1t too.
Won't Satisfy All Requirements.
Those who have examined the Ger
man proposals have reached the con-