Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-02-09
Fullest Inquiry to Be Made Of
Both Germany and Great
Britain Regarding Actions
as War Measures,
OTHER NEUTRAL NATIONS
SEE GRAVE MENACE
Washington Recognizes That
English Use Of Stars and
Stripes May Cause loss of
Innocent Lives.


euszion by President Wilson with his
German advisers Of the dangers to
which neutral ships may be subjected
IN the newly prescribed war zones
around Great Britain and ireland, and
the use By the liner Lusitania OF the
American FLAG, foreshadowed today a
diplomatic correspondence between
the United states and both Great
Britain and Germany, respeC lively. on
these questions In each case the
American government, because Of is
neutrality. cannot discuss the rules
which fhc belllgerenta may adopt to-
ward each other. Tho prescription ef
the war zone Itself, however. or the
use 0f a neutral flag BY belligeront-
owned vessels as a stratagem Of war
has not given the American officials
concern 50 much as the prospect that
these acts may endanger the lives Of
American citizens whose right TO
travel ON the high saas on neutral
ships during time ~ war. II Is intimat-
ed, viii be vigorously defended
Discussion by Cabinet.
Pending the receipt Of the German
foreign office memorandum from AM
bassador Gerard. and q report OF the
Lnsltania incident from Ambasa-
dor Page. no action was taken. The
situation will be fully discussed TO-
morrow ~ a meeting Of the president
and his cabinet Formal inquiries as
to what steps the German naval com
manders will take to protect neutrals
travelling on merchant ships and re
quests for information az 20 the use
OF American flags by British ships
generally, Il Is understood, will fol-
low
Many Of the neutral diplomats.
among them the ministers from the
Netherlands, Denmark and Italy, were
AZ tn" state department today. and TO
all inquiries as 70 the possible action
Of the American government N con-
nection with the prohibited sea zones
and the use Of neutral flags aboard
helligerent merchantmen. Secretary
Bryan answered that these questions
were fstfii under consideration"
Seek Injunction.
While mono OF the neutral ENJOYS
proposed joint action with the Ameri-
can government. they sought infor-
nation for the guidance of their own
foreign offices Craiman Flood and
representative Cline Of the house
foreign affairs committee. also dis
cussed the subject with Mr. Bryan, bur
declined 10 talk Of their visit after
wards.
Delicate situation.
II was apparent on all sides here
that the German proclamation and
the Lusitania Incident had introduce
ed a delicate situation touching moro
closely perhaps the position OF nep-
trails than any other occurrence OF
the war.
Among naval officials it was point
ed out that the threats of the Ger
man proclamation against enemy
merchantmen found Ia the war zones,
If carried out by submarines, would
entail considerable danger 10 the
submarines themselves. and especial
" IL they attempted 10 follow pre-
yiously recognized rules of war in
boarding a merchant ship and taking
on It's passengers before destroying
the vessel The appearance of a sub
marine. II was pointed out, would
mean its instantaneous destruction byl
most of the big merchantmen. which
carry small guns. There IS no room
aboard submarine for passengers
from a merchantmen, and unless
small boats are nearby the case OF
imperative necessity" too often adj
vanced in International law. il was
said By some naval officers. may de-
tlop an entirely new situation in
connection with submarine warfare.
The Lusitania incident, invoked a
speech IN the house by Representa-
tive Martin 81 south Dakota. who an
nounced that he favored legislation
at this session TO prohibit the use ~
American colors on any bot American
vessels and 20 make It an nffense for
the muster ~ any foreign vessel. /
whether belligerent or not. 20 fly the
American flag over ship lie said /
the penalty should be confiscation Of
the vessel and fine for the com
mauder In event the ship returned
TO American jurisdiction.
No Sugn Statement Made.
The state department issued today
a denial Of reports that Ambassador
PAGE had telegfaphed that the Brit (
ish government after having secur
"a the owner Of the cargo of the VIII
helmina" would seize all cargoes OF
foodstuffs destined to Germany With
out making compensation therefor.
The department said this was an err
or as the ambassador had not dis
cussed the matter OF compensation
for such cargoes as may be seized"
The general understanding In ex-
ecutiVe quarters il that the British
government sta intends TO seize all
cargoes Of foodstuffs destined 20 Ger
many. though whether there viii he
compensation, is not known.