New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-25

Referring to the note, the "Berliner
Tageblatt" says:
eve hear that this American note In
couched in a form which would sp-
pear 10 show that on the American
side, also, there is no desire that this
matter become more acute. The very
fact that the American government
makes counter-proposals shows II has
not been able fully TO disregard the
weight of Germany's reasons"
The "Lokal Anzeiger" says il learns
that the American note is cordial in
tone, and that it presents a workable
basic for further negotiations
Washington" the newspaper adds,
nov takes up the suggestions out
lined in the final passage of Germany's
answer, and makes proposals which APP
parently are addressed equally 70 Ger-
many and Great Britain"
London, Feb. 24.--The Foreign Office
is extremely reticent in discussing the
American proposal made to London and
Berlin outlining a plan for the feeding
of the civil population OF Germany
under certain regulations.
Sir Edward Grey, the British For
eign Secretary, and other members OF
the Cabinet still lay emphasis on the
fact that Great Britain has not yet
made food destined for Germany abso-
Lutte contraband. While Sir Edward
Grey's reply to the United States gov
ernment's note concerning the food
steamer Wilhelmina intimated that such
step probably would be necessary,
the absolute prohibition Of food ship
ments to Germany has not actually
been announced. In fact, the decision
of the Wilhelmins case by the prize
court is being looked forward TO, as it
is considered that this will amount to
definite statement of the British posi-
ton.
For several days il hns been inti-
mated in official circles that the For
eign Office might issue memorsn-
policy concerning foodstuffs destined
for Germany and outlining plans for
the reprisals deemed necessary because
of the operations Of the German sub
marines. The impression still prevails
that such a general statement may be
issued Independently Of any reply
which Sir Edward Grey may give TO
the latest American suggestion for
feeding the civilians of Germany. It
is known that part Of the material for
such q memorandum has been consid-
cred and that the issuance OF the
statement within two or three days is
not improbable.
Little Opposition Expected.
British officials are said 10 be firmly
convinced that the neutral powers will
offer little objection il food supplies
are cut off from Germany in retaliation
for the German submarine activities,
which they allege are in violation Of all
international law and practice. A
prominent British official, discussing
to-day the probability of making food
stuffs absolute contrsband, mentioned
the position taken by Count Caprivi.
once German Imperial Chancellor, on
this subject. The Chancellor. in q
speech in the Reichstsg on March 4.
1892, was declared by this official 10
have said:
"a country may be dependent for
her food or for her raw products upon
her trade. In fact, it may be absolute
" necessary to destroy the enemy's
trade. The private introduction OF pro-
visions into Paris was prohibited dur
ing the siege, and. in the same way, a
nation would be justified in preventing
the import Of foods and raw produce"