The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-18
Incident Likely to Have Important Bearing on Formulation of Policy on Submarine War
OFFICIAL REPORT OF
 ATTACK ON ORDUNA
 NOT YET AVAILABLE
U. s. Will First Ascertain
 if Effort Was Made to Halt Big Liner Before Launching Torpedo at Her

Washington, July 17.-1ntO the
 grave situation that has developed
 between the United States and
 Germany over the sinking of the
 Lusitania was thrust another is
 sue today when it was revealed
 that the British steamer Orduna,
 carrying a score of Americans,
 had been attacked by German
 submarine.
 Should first reports of an attempt to torpedo without warning be borne out by the official investigation about to be in- stituted, 1t was indicated in official quar- ters that the United States probably would regard the incident as adding a grave element to the already strained relations between the two countries.
 Lacking information as to the circum- stances of the attack, officials were un- s able to predict tonight to what extent the Orduna case would aggravate the situa- tion, but they thought the question would certainly compel serious consideration by President Wilson and his cabinet in formulating the next step in the policy of the United States toward the activities of German submarines and the safety of Americans on the high seas.
 Although the Orduna escaped unhurt, this, in the view of the official does not relieve the case of grave possibilities. The fact that belligerent merchant ship, bound for the United States With Ameri- cans on board and without arms and ammunition or contraband cargo, which has been the reason assigned for the provocation for previous attacks--was as- sailed while her passengers slept convinced many officials that the theory they had entertained of an actual change In the practice of German submarine comman- ders apparently had been dissipated
 One point on which the entire case, so far as the United States is concerned may hinge Is whether any attempt was made to halt the Orduna by the customary warning ssignals either by flag, mega phone or shots across the bow of a ves- gel.
 As yet the case is not officially before the sta te department, but as soon a some of the American passengers file their statements of what took place, the ques- tion undoubtedly will be brought immedi- ately to the attention of the German gov ernment for a report from its submarine commander on the circumstances of the attack.
 The case Is believed to be different from that of the Anglo o-Calirornian and the Armenian, which were ordered to halt, but repeatedly attempted to escape capture According to the rules of in ternational law, even though neutrals are on board, the use of force is held is to Justified to compel submission.
 The captain and officers of the Or duna have stated that no warning or signal had been given when the tor pedo was seen streaking through the water. Officials here thought there fore that any attempt made by the Or duna to escape was probably iusti- fled Her subsequent actions, they be- lieved. would be upheld in the inter- est of self-defense.
 Irrespective of whether or not a signal was given to the Orduna to halt or whether the shots fired by the Germans came without warning. the view which impressed officials tonight abandoned their attempts to destroy rying contraband or not and that American citizens seemed still to be subject to hazards from which, under previously accepted rules of interna- tional law, they should be immune.
 Secretary Lansing said tonight he would have no announcement to make on the case until it was brought to his attention in some official way by Americans who were passengers on the ship. It is believed likely that the
 (Continued on Page Ten)