Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1915-02-09
FORMAL PROTEST
ON FLAG INCIDENT
NOT TO Be MADE
Use of Neutral Flags by Bel
Iigerents Customary Practice,
Washington View.
MAY AcoUAlNT BRITISH
WITH DANGER INVOLVED
Wilson Studying German War
Zone Decree-Other Neu-
trails Are Silent.

WASHINGTON, Feb. e.-The ed-
ministration view of the hosting Of
the American flag on the British
steamship Lusitania, as stated today
on the highest authority, is that the
use of other fags by ships of nations
at war is such a customary practice
that no formal protest can be made,
but that it will be proper to send to
Great Britain a note pointing out the
dangers to neutral shipping which
may follow IL such a practice Is con-
tinued
Regarding the establishment Of a
war zone by Germany around the
British Isles, President Wilson said
today he was awaiting the German
governments memorandum being for
warded by Ambassador Gerard before
reaching a decision on what attitude
to take. He said Germany's first
proclamation on the subject contained
many questions on which the United
States would like further explanation.
The president takes the view that
the war zone proclaimed by Germany
does not constitute blockade or even
q paper blockade. He stated that 1t
was simply a warning.
Holds Congress Cannot Act.
The president himself said that ac-
ton by Congress could not control the
use OF the American flag by foreign
ships and that restrictions on such
practices would have to come through
international agreement.
The administration. Il was indi-
Gated, was deeply studying the war
zone question with the view OF deter
mining its possible effect on American
shipping and will seek to get full in
formation from Germany on exactly
what was intended and what meas
ures will be taken to insure Ameri-
can vessels from attack. Mr.. Wilson
mentioned Ambassador Bernstorff' 8
explanation Of the war zone order, but
repeated that the United States would
not finally determine on its course un-
til the official explanation from Am
bassador Gerard at Berlin was re-
ceiyed-
High oficials apparently attached
much importance to both the Lust.
tania and the war zone situations, and
it was made clear today that ever
effcrt will be made TO protect Ameri'
can rights.
Other Nsusrals Are Silent.
President Wilson told callers that
I'D TO the present no OLn6I ESulEdi
governments have officially asked the
co-operation OF the United States.
Discussing the general international
situation, President Wilson said to-
day that he was not surprised at the
length Of time taken by Great Britain
in forwarding its final reply TO the
American note on the interference
with American shipping.
BERLIN, Feb 9 (via The Hague 10
London. 1.-THE naval measures OF
Germany against British commerce
are in no sense a blockade. No hostile
action against neutral shipping is
contemplated. German submarines
and wkarships will endeavor by every
means in their power TO avoid sink
ing American or other neutral ships.
and will take every precaution to
avoid a mistake being made.
The proclamation of the waters
around Great Britain as war zone,
like similar British measures which
were taken as a precedent, is designed
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