New Britain herald., 1915-02-09
NO FORMAL PROTEST
 ON FLAG INCIDENT
J. s. Likely to Send Note to
 EnQiaDd on LuSitau|a Affair.

Washington, Feb. 9.-The admins tration view of the hoisting of the American flag on the British steam ship Lusitania, as stated today on the highest authority is that the use of other flags by ships of nations at war is such 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 if such a practice is con- tnuet.
 Regarding the esta blishment of q war zone around the British Isles, President Wilson said today he was awaiting the German governments memorandum being forwarded by Am baSsador Gerard before reaching a decision on what attitude to take. He said Gernany'S first proclamation on the subject contained many questions on which the United States would like further explanation.
 War Zone Not Blockade.
 The president takes the view that the war zone proclaimed by Germany does not constitute a blockade or even i ply a warning.
 The president himself said that ac- tion 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.
 To Protect American Rights.
 The administration, it was indicated, 1 Cf, 1xy;,,c L1 tion with the view of determining it's possible effect on American shipping. and will seek to get full information from Germany on exactly what was intended and what measures will be taken to insure American vessels from attack. MT. Wilson mentioned Am bassador Bernstorff's explanation of the war zone order, but repeated that the United States would not finally de- termine on. it's course until the official explanation from Ambassador Gerard at Berlin was received. High officials apparently attached much importance to both the Lusitania and the war zone situations, and it was made clear today that every effort will be made to protect American rights.
 President Wilson told callers that up to the present no neutral govern ments have officially asked the co-op- eration of the United States.
 Wilson Not Surprised.
 Discussing the general international situation President Wilson said today that he was not surprised at the length of time taken by Great Britain in forwarding it's final reply to the American note on the interference with American shipping.
 The situation which has arisen as a result of the German declaration and the Lusitania incident was up for discussion today between President Wilson and his cabinet. It was un- derstood that following the confer ence formal inquiries would be in- stituted to ascertain what step the German naval commanders will take to protect neutrals travelling on mer- chant ships and for information as to the use of American flags by British ships generally.
 May JIndangcr Americans.
 Officials are said to be much con- cerned over prospects that the pre- scription of the war zone and the use of neutral flag by war vessels as a, stra gem of war may endanger lives of Americans, whose right to travel on neutral ships in war times, it is under stood will be vigorously upheld by the Washington government.