Norwich bulletin., 1915-07-06
German Note
 in a Week
FRIENDLY AND PERHAPS sATIs.
 FACTORY, IT is BELIEVED
COUNTER PROPOSAL
Germany wsnts to Avoid AttaeIss on Passenger vssseIs-Hew to Prevent Shipment of contraband is the ouestion-Amerioans in crs~s Add to Complicated Situation.

Washington, July 5.@Germany's re- ply to the last American note concern ing submarine warfare probably will not be received for at least another week Ambassador Gerard in his re- ports to the state department has not set specific date, but 1t has been con5ectured that a week would be re- quired to finish the communication.
 While MT. Gerard has kept the American government constantly in formed of the gossip in official quar- ters in Berlin with reference to the German reply, he has been unable to learn definitely as yet just what it will outline. He knows, however, that Germany will make a counter propo- sail, and that it's exact nature is now Delng discussed by various elements in the German government The appar- ent delay in the completion of the document is looked upon by officials as hopeful sign, and they are not dis appointed. as some reports have said at the protracted discussion, believ- ing that each additional day is likely to bring the countries closer to an understanding.
 Favorable Atmosphere In Berlin.
 Such advices as Ambassador Ger ard has sent portray a favorable at mosphere in Berlin, from which he infers that the reply will be friendly and perhaps satisfactory.
 In a general way 1t is known of hctalfy that Germany is endeavoring to avoid further attacks on passenger vessels of any nationality, but its dfficulty is to frame a proposal in such way as to prevent the allies from continuing to ship large quanti- ties of ammunition and contraband on such ships. One suggestion discussed in Berlin official quarters recently and of which the American government was advised. contemplated that pas senger vessels clearing from American ports be immune from attack pIac-
 ing the burden on the United States
 to interpret just what is meant by
 senger traffic."
 Suggestion of Inspection. While the United States claims un-
 der international law the right to
 have its citizens travel on all ships, whether or not they carry contraband Germany is hoping in some way, 1t is understood. to impose a moral obli- gation whereby Americans would be persuaded not to take passage on ves- sels devoted chiefly to traffic in con- traband. The suggestion in press des- patches of a joint British-American inspection of passenger vessels is re-
 garded in some official quarters here as likely to furnish basis for a par
 tial understanding.
 Americans In Crew.
 Just what may be done with ref erence to cargo ships of enemy na- tionality on which Americans have
 been shipping as members of the crew
 Is matter of wide conjecture among officials. The cases of the British
 liner Armenian and Anglo Californ- ian furnish instances in which re- peated. efforts were made to escape German submarines, and officials here
 are inclined to recognize the difficul- ties which ensue from the British com- manders subjecting their crews to
 the danger of shell fire by ignoring a submarines warning and making con-
 tinued efforts to escape. In such cases some officials point. out that the Uni ted States may be faced with a situ-
 ation in which it will be compelled to inform its citizens who ship as mem- bers of the crews of foreign vessels
 that under international law the pro- tection of a neutral government
 ceases the moment resistance to cap- ture begins or on repeated efforts to escape.
 Remove Causes of Friction. As a whole officials here believe that the forthcoming Eote, while it may not be productive of an immediate understanding wil pave the way foI further discussion in which the causes of friction between the United States and Germany may be removed. The press comments of Germany are being closely read by officials who are gratif1ed at the apparent efforts of a large section of the influential class in
 Berlin to bring about a better under
 standing between the two countries.