Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-03-05
STATE DEPARTMENT
WORKING ON REPLIES

Washington, March qualification
of the official text of the German
governments reply to the American
! proposals for an abandonment OF
submarine warfare and the shipment
Of foodstuffs To the civilian popula-
ton of bclligerent was the only
step taken by the United States gov
eminent today in connection with the
maritime situation as its affects neu-
( trails.
The state department declined to
/ give out the text of the American
! proposals because they still are under
consideration by Great Britain and
her allies. Until some reply is re-
oeived from the allies 1t is unlikely
that any further move will be made
by the United states though prepar-
alton Of a protest 10 Great Britain's
declaration of an embargo on COM
merce between Germany and neu-
trails has been begun by law officers
Of the government.
with the adjournment Of congress,
II is generally believed President VIII
son and his cabinet viii give almost
exclusive attention to the foreign sit
uation ana that In the next few days
the replies to the various diplomatic
notes from the belligcrents will be
taken up. IT has not been decided
whether all unanswered communica-
tons shall be treated IN one formal
comprehensive note to the belliger-
ents, or whether the separate char
ncter of the different steps will be
preferred TO date the United states
government has pending five separ-
ate negotiations, all related to the
subject of maritime warfare and the
rights OF neutrals.
First. Great Britain's preliminary
observations and then complete re-
ply to the American note of protest
of December 2S concerning the treat
ment Of American commerce gencr-
ally by the British fleet has not been
answered being superseded SO far as
Is concerned, by other
and more pressing developments.
Second, Great Brltain's reply to |
the American note warning her I
against the measure of responsibility I
that would seem to be imposed I
should American vessels be attacked /
on account of fictitious use of neu-
trail flags has not been answered The T
statement of the American position
in this note probably viii not be re-
iterated. but the United states is cX-
pectod to stand on the warning al
ready given.
Third, Germany's reply to the note
from the United states stating that
Germany would be held to q strict
accountability for any attacks on
American vessels or the result
ant loss Of lives in the ma
rne war zone has also been left
unanswered This, too. probably
viii be continued in further cores
)ondence only insofar as it relates TO
he general situation, the warning be-
ng regarded as adequately conserving
American rights.
Fourth, the proposals from the
United states to Germany and Great .
Britain for the removal Of mines the
abandonment Of submarine warfare
N merchant ships and an arrange
nent by which the civilian popula-
ion OF any of the belligercnts may
import food supplies ana conditional
.ontra band If the distribution Is SUI
)ervised by American organizations
n agencies have been answered thus
ar by Germany alone. An answer
rom Great Britain is still awaited
Fifth, the American government
las under consideration the most re- !