New-York tribune., 1915-12-19
PLOTTERS HERE
ARE REPUDIATED
BY GERMANY
Never Countenanced Act
That Could Offend Amer
ica, Berlin Says.

The Associated Press last night sent
out the following, which "The New
York Times received as an authorized
statement by wireless from Berlin:
"The German government naturally
has never knowingly accepted the sup
port of any person, group Of persons,
society or organization seeking to pro-
mote the cause of Germany in-tne
United States by Illegal acts, by coun-
sells of violence, by contravention OF
law or by any means whatever that
could offend the American people in
the pride of their own authority.
"If it should be alleged that improper
acts have been committed by repre-
sentatives of the German government
they could be easily dealt with. To any
complaints upon proof as may be sub
mitted by the American government
suitable response will be duly made.
"As is well known, the means OF
communication between Germany and
the United States are very unsatlsfac-
tory. 1t is practically impossible for
the German government 70 keep itself
in touch with American sentiment IL
has often to depend upon the foreign
press for information concerning Amer
ican affairs.
THE message Of President Wilson TO
Congress. in which the activities OF
German sympathizers in the United
States were discussed, will serve as an
illustration. There was received in
Germany a brief summary of those
passages which referred to plots and
conspiracies against peace and order
in the United States, and the effect
produced thereby upon sentiment in
Germany was probably more painful
than the American government knew.
A different impression might have been
produced by the full text of the mes
sage. but, unfortunately, that would
rot be available in Germany until the
American newspapers arrived by mail,
a fortnight or three weeks later, ex-
cept as il might be taken with doubts
and reservations from the English
press.
"In the mean time confidential COM
munication between the German gov
ornment and its diplomatic representa-
tives in the United States by cable or
wireless is impossible, for reasons
which the American government knows.
Messages by cable must pass through
the English censorship, and messages
in secret code by wireless are forbid
den. Therefore, misunderstandings are
bound 20 arise, while explanations are
often so circumscribed or belated as TO
be not wholly effective.
apparently. the enemies OF Ger
mary have succeeded in creating the
( impression that the German govern
ment is in some way morally, or other
wise. RESPONSIBLE for what Mr.. Wilson
has characterized Gnti-American ac-
;ivities. comprehending attacks upon
property and violations Of the rules
which the American government has
seen fit to impose upon the course OF
neutral trade.
"This the German government ab5o-
lutely denies. II cannot specifically
repudiate acts committed by individ-
uals over whom il has no control. and
Of whose movements and intentions Il
/ Is neither officially nor unofficially in
formed. 1t can only say, and does most
tmphaticaliy declare 10 Germans
abroad, TO German-American citizens
Of the United States, to the American
people all alike, that whoever is guilty
of conduct tending to associate the
| German cause with lawiessness of
/ thought. suggestion or deed against
| life. property and order in the United
States is in fact an enemy of that
very cause, and source OF embarrass-
ment TO the German government. not
withstanding anything he or they may
I believe 20 the contrary"