Evening star., 1915-02-25
Press Indicates DisapprovaI
of American Proposal to
Ship Food to Germany.
FOREIGN OFFICE, SILENT,
MAY ISSUE STATEMENT
Note to British and German Govern
ments Suggests Admission of
Foodstuffs for Civilians.

war zone and the adoption by the bel
ligerents of some definite policy re-
garding foodstuffs for the civilian
population, have noticeably quickened
the public interest both in this country
and'-&p Germany in this delicate diplo-
matte situation.
The British press in general is re-
strained In tone, but the average Eng
lishman plainly resents what he con-
slders a hint at an attempt to inter-
fere with the absolute blockade OF
Germany should Great Britain care TO
enforce this with her sea power.
In the meanwhile and in spite of the
sinking of four more British merchant
men. involving the loss of four liVes'
Great Britain still holds eff from de-
clarfng food destined to Germany to be
contraband. 1t is believed if this step
is taken that it will be postponed un-
til the American proposal has been
discussed at length.
Drastic Retaliations Hinted.
Just what this proposal is the public
bot here and in Berlin is unaware
It's only information has been CLEANED
from the meager and qualihed dis
patches from Washington. There wouio
seem to be no doubt. however, thai
declare food contraband at any time
she deems it necessary. especially as
Germany's so-called blockade has been
enforced with all the power Germany
ha- at her command for a week past
How the British cabinet feels about
this matter would appear to have been
plainly indicated by the statements
made by Foreign Secretary Grey.
Premier Asquith and First Lord OF the
Admiralty Churchill, all of whom have
more than limited that drastic retalia-
tory measures might be expected at
any moment.
Will Be No Bargaining.
We are obliged to say at once that
there can be no bargaining on this
subject says the Westminster Ga
zette. in referring TO the American
notes. The editorial continues:
The pressure of our sea power is a
Germany had full warning from her
own economists what must happen IL
she risked prolonged war with su-
perior sea power.
by making grain supplies public
property. and still more by putting her
population OH ratfons, she entities US to
treat these supplies as contraband OF
war. On her own principle of limited
consumption. the supplies of the civil
population could not be increased in
the manner suggested. The results
simply would be to leave the govern
ment large supplies for military pur-
poses.
Who can suppose that if the position
were reversed and Germany were the
superior sea power she would listen to
such a proposition if made by us? II
may be German necessity to win the
war by starving her population, but ii
her scheme of conquest by saving her
civilian population from Liabilities
which she deliberately incurred on
their behalf"
Consider Enemy Source
I'VE must consider the enemy source
of the proposal" the Daily Mail saps.
and not the neutral and friendly chan
mel through which it reaches US. We
prefer that Germany should do her
worst. knowing well that her worst
will be bearable. Therefore our reply
should be polite refusal, and that re-
fusal should Immediately be followed
by the long-overdue proclamation of a
real blockade of the German coasts by
ourselves and our allies"
Hope is expressed by the Standard,
Express and Graphic in their editorial
columns that Great Britain will not en-
tertain the proposal said to be con-
tanned in the latest American note
that food supplies be admitted to Ger
Foreign Office Reticent.
The foreign office is extremely reti-
cent in discussing the American pro-
posal
For several days it has been inti-
mated in official circles that the foreign
Office might issue memorandum set
ting forth definitely the British policy
foodstuffs destined for
Germany and outlining plans for the
reprisals deemed necessary because of
the operations of the German subma-
rines.
The impression still prevails that
such a general statement may be issued
Independently of any reply which Sir
American suggestion for feeding the
civilians of Germany. 1t is known
that part Of the material for such a
has been considered and
within two or three days is not inn
probable.
Germany Not Ready to Answer.
BERLIN, February 25-The American
identical note on marine warfare. sent
by the United States government to
Great Britain and Germany. is now in
the hands of DR.. Won HoII-
veg, imperial German chancellor. and
GOttlleb Won JagOW, the German for
eign minister. who are examining care
fully the various proposals contained
it it Nothing has been made known
up to the present time of the confer
ence of German statesmen last night to
discuss the note This meeting was
held in the residence of Dr. Won Beth
mann -Hollweg. Among the statesmen
present was the foreign minister.
The German government is not yet
ready to make statement regarding
the contents of the note. but it is said
that they may be regarded as the basis
for further negotiations. |
Certain of the proposals. as an ex-
ample the removal of the mine fields
around England, probably will be in
acceptable to Germany, but 1t isl
thought that Germany possibly may
make concessions on other points.
Views Note as Cordial.
The Lokal Anzeiger says it learns |
that the American note is cordial in |
tone, and that it presents a workable |
basis for further negotiations.
"Washington," the newspaper adds 4
now takes up the suggestions outlin- |
ed in the final passage of Germany'sI /
answer and makes proposals which ap-i
parently are addressed equally to Ger
many and Great Britain" . .--
4