New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-11
Notes from Washington
To Be Presented in
London and Berlin.
USE OF NEUTRAL
FLAG IN QUESTION
Germany Asked How She
Intends to Enforce Her
Declaration.
WILSON MAINTAINS
FRIENDLIEST TONE
No Protest in Either Communi-
cation-Right to Sea In.
sisted Upon.

Washington, Feb. 10.-The United
States government to-day sent note
to Great Britain, making friendly OBJ
servations on the use by British ships
of neutral flags, and at the same time
dispatched a communication TO Ger
many inquiring what steps would be
taken BY German naval commanders 20
verify the identity Of ships flying neu-
tral flags in the recently proclaimed
zones of war around England and Ire
land.
While the Lusitania incident Is not
mentioned, the representations TO Great
Britain are based on the statement OF
the British ForeigA Office justifying
the use Of neutral flags by her mer-
chantmen TO escape capture. The
American government points out how
frequent and continued use of this
stratagem might east doubt on the
character of vessels really entitled to
Ay the American flag and produce
dangers to which neutral ships ought
not be subjected on the high seas and
in unblockaded waters.
In the note to Germany il is UNDER
stood that the United State. asks how
the German Admiralty purposes to
carry out in practice its recent procla-
nation Of q war on merchant ships.
The United States has made IL clear, 1t
is understood, that an attack on yes-
sci flying the American flag without
first ascertaining definitely that such
use was fictitious could not but be
viewed gravsly by the American gov
ernment and bring about serious COM
plcations.
Asks for More Information.
The United States has not fully ex-
pressed itself on the German procla-
nation, however, confning itself for
the present to an inquiry for more in
formation, on which future Representa-
tions may or may not be based. There
is no evidence as yet, for example, that
any American ship will be threatened,
for German naval commanders may
have a complete list and description OF
su h vessels, making it possible to give
assurances that no American ship will
be molested. The communication mere
ly seeks to learn more definitely what
hazards an American ship might be
confronted with il passing through tho
newly prescribed sea zones and what
steps will be taken by the German navy
to give unrestricted passage to Ameri-
can vessel, travelling through the
waters.
Both notes, which are TO be pre-
sented by the American ambassadors
in London and Berlin. are brief and
couched in Q friendly spirit. Neither
makes a protest, but each points out
how the recent developments may seri-
ously embsrrass the voyages of neutral
ships on the high seas, which always
have been considered free 10 them in
times of war as we'll as peace.
Secretary Bryan declined TO discuss
either communication, but probably The
text Of both or a parsphrase will DO
made public as soon as the telegrams
reach their respective destinations. The
course Of the American government
has been more or less foretold by
President Wilson, who has pointed out
to callers that while there is no rulo
of L. Al -
neutral flag by a belligerent vessel
and that the ruse is often resorted to
in times of war. nevertheless il was re-
garded as proper in the circumstances
TO make representations on the dangers
to neutrals which might ensue from
such changes in flag during a voyage
of belligerent ship.
Rtassurances Probable.
While officials here do not know and
have no intimation as TO what the at
titude OF the British and German gov
crnments will be, it is generally ex-
pected that expressions will result
which will reassure the United States
as to the safety Of its vessels. None
Of the high officials anticipate the de-
velopment OF any critical situation.
So far. il is understood, the United
States has not indicated 20 any Of the
belligercnts what its course would bo
IL any American citizens travelling
aboard belligerent vessels were lost
in future encounters between German
submarines and enemy merchant ves-
sells. While the existing rules Of In
ternationsl law, however, provide that
all passengers and crew on unarmed
belligerent merchant vessels must he
taken of before the ship can be sunk,
this has been held 10 apply 20 war
vessels which are able 10 care for pas
sengers. The fact that submarine
may endanger itself by approaching =
belligerent merchantmen is eonsid-
Grafton which may neeessitate new
rules when the subject is taken up by
future international conferences.
Representative Browning. OF New
Jersey. read to the House to-day let
ter from Charles S. Rrsddoek, jr., Of
Jersey City, n. j., who was scnior
y