South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-07-07
Unofficial Communication For
Warded by Ambassador Ger
ard Offers immunity For
Certain Americans.
INFORMAL PARLEY TO
PRECEDE REPLY TO NOTE
Entire Matter is up to PreS't
Wilson But Disposition of
Government is to end Con-
VerSationS" Soon.

WASHINGTON, July Germany
in its unofficial communication for
warded TO Pres't Wilson 10y Ambassa-
dor Gerard at Berlin is understood 20
have asked concessions from this gov
ernment in its protest against the
kaiser's submarine warfare. Officials
who have seen the ambassadors dis
patcn today generally expressed the
belief that they cannot be granted
Ambassador Gerard has asked for
instructions of this government as 20
the attitude he shall assume regard
ing the informal presentation OF the
German reply and the entire matter
today was in the hands of Pres't Will
son at Cornish. The president has
been acquainted with the virtual in
vitation of Germany TO exchange in
formal views before she sends her fl
nal reply TO this government
The exchange of such views in ad-
vance of the transmission OF the Ger
man reply viii lead TO considerable
parley and viii again delay the re-
celDt of the note here providing the
government accepts the German invi-
tation to discussion, officials stated
Won't Disclose Concessions.
State department officials would not
disclose the concessions wanted by
Germany, but the inference drawn in
official circles is that the kaiser's
government wants to promise immun-
ity from attack TO a certain class OF
American travellers on the high seas.
but IS not willing, at the same time.
10 adopt a broad and general policy
TO meet the position of the United
States that Americans have a right 20
travel on peaceful missions anywhere
and on any ships except those actu-
ally engaged I'm warfare.
It is understood that Germany viii
propose that Americans should go
only on certain vessels. the United
States to notify Germany in advance
of the departure OF such ships and to
certify after inspection. that the yes
sells so exempted do not carry con-
traband of war.
It is believed here that the United
States cannot accept such a sugges-
ton. because it does not meet the
broad view OF the Washington gov
eminent on the rules of international
law, and the protection Of life at
sea, under what Pres't Wilson has
termed the laws OF humanity"
Likely TO Refuse Terms.
In other words it is expected this
government viii notify Germany in
formally that she cannot enter irtO
an agreement which means that If an
American should go on a certain yes
sci and notify this government and
Germany of IL. he viii he safe from
attack. while another American TAX
with impunity by the kaiser's subma-
rines.
The opinion is held here that the
United States viii do all IN its power
TO discourage Americans from taking
passage on belligerent ships CARRYING
contraband. but this government
wants Germany TO follow the rules OF
search and seizure on the high seas
instead of indiscriminate attack. IL is
not seen here how this government
can subscribe 20 a doctrine which
would require constant espionage on
all English merchantmen and their
passengers, SO that the vessel may
be marked for nOn-attack or left un-
marked through error or otherwise.
inviting attack and jeopardiziug lives.
Desire TO End Farley.
The new situation created by the
German action was not regarded as
particularly critical. but there still Is
said 20 q desire in official quarters TO
end the parleying as soon as possible.
Under present conditions. the United
States assumes from unofficial EXPIRES
slonS that Germany is cOnciliatory,
but there Is no assurance as 20 Ger
many's ultimate intent and her sub
marine warfare. liable az any time TO
bring about additional complications.
is proceeding without an agreement
regarding American rights.
Am bassadOr Gerard's request for
instructions VIII DE answered by the
president but it has not been dis
closed whether Mr.. Wilson viii cable
the ambassador from Cornish or
await his return To Washington IL
may be assumed however. that this
government viii ''stand pat upon its
insistence that Germany recognize the
rules of international law So far as
the safety OF Americans at sea is CON
cerned. though IL is not expected that
his rnVprwUr Dr1r will aNnnf d HfrfnFn-
rial attitude which would halt the ne