New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-28
KAISER TO GIVE
FINAL DECISION
ON NOTE TO U. 5.
Washington Watches the
Battle Between JagoW
and Won Tirpitz.


news from Berlin that indications
point to a conciliatory reply to Presi-
dent Wilson's recent note to the Ger
man government pleases administra-
ton officials, considerable interest IS
felt in the controversy between Ad-
miral Won Tirpitz and Herr Won Jagow'
As understood here, Admiral Won
Tirpitz is insisting on tart answer
TO the United States that Germany in
tends TO continue its submarine war
fare without interference. Herr Won
Jagow is understood TO be urging a
friendly course so that relations be-
tween Germany and this country may
not be strained to the breaking point.
Officials here take :hs view that
Kaiser Wilhelm himself will have the
final say as to the terms Of the reply,
and he is believed TO hold that the
friendship Of America must be kept
and that the answer, therefore, must
be cOnciliatory.
As already told in The Tribune, the
German reply probably will not be de-
livered here before July or Z.
According 10 men who have kept IN
close touch with German affairs, the
Berlin government will not hesitate to
accent the offer of the United States
to mediate for a change in warfare on
the seas, as Germany particularly de-
sires the enunciation of international
rules and regulations under which the
freedom Of the seas will be guaranteed.
II is understood that Germany is Will
ing TO accept a doctrine that will make
belligerent passenger ships immune
from capture or detention, providing
they do not carry contraband.
Will Blame Great Britain.
Il is believed Germany probably will
assert that her only reason for con-
tinuing her undersea warfare is be-
cause of Great Britain's interference
with commerce. There is no doubt here
that the Germans are willing to con-
slderably modify the use of their sub
marines if Great Britain will allow
foodstuffs and non-contraband cargoes
TO 90 uDmolcsted into Germany.
, On the other hand, Great Britain is
not at all eager to put an end TO her
embargo on all cargoes going into Ger
many, because the loss Of British ships
due to German submarines has been SO
small, compared with the number OF
ships which have used British ports,
that it is insignificant.
lust how the German note will treat
/ President Wilson's demand for repara-
ton for the loss Of American lives on
the Lusitania is giving American OFF,
cials the most concern. 1t is believed
Germany will admit that the Lusitania
was an unarmed merchantmen. But
whether the Berlin government Will ad-
nit its liability for the loss of Ameri-
can lives and agree 10 make reparation
is regarded as another question. IL
has been suggested that Germany will
continue 10 shirk responsibility on the
plea that the Lusitania carried NUM-
tons OF war
While il is thought Germany may
tell this government she will no longer
allow her submarines to attack passen-
ger ships, il is also thought she will
ask in return that steps be taken by
the United States TO prevent its citl-
zens from sailing on passenger vessels
under belligerent flags which carry
munitions Of war.
The German government, according
to its friends here, is determined TO do
everything possible 70 prevent ammuni-
/ tion from getting 10 the Allies. The
Germans make no secret that they be-
lieve if the supply Of ammunition from
this country could be cut off from the
Allies, Germany would win the war.
They point 20 the agitation in Great
/ Britain and Russia over the shortage in
ammunition. II is declared Germany
will not object TO the shipment OF guns
or rifles on passenger ships, provided
no ammunition or explosives are per-
mitted on the vessels.
Other Relations Acute.
Never before have the American
governments relations with foreign
countries been so acute. No head OF
the State Department has ever had 10
meet such serious questions involving
foreign affairs as confront Secretary
Lansing.
Not alone are relations with both
the Allies and the reu.ons dangerous
ly near the straininy point, but con-
ditions in Mexico have become prac-
tically intolerable.
Relations with Great Britain are OF
the most friendly character, but there
IS a constantly growing irritation at
the British governments interference
with the trade of neutral nations.
This irritation is growing primarily
because of the protest OF American
importers and exporters that their
business is being inttifered with 20
n point which the mere payment Of
rcnetary damages cannot satisfy.
With importers and exporter. clam
oring for action, and with the govern
ment supporting them in their conten.
ton that interference with ships carry.
ing their vargoes is q violation Of in