Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-05-16
Eight Days Delay Regarded
Probable Before Definite
Word Is Heard From Berlin
by Washington,
ARBITRATION BELIEVED
THE LIKELY SOLUTION
Hints From kaiSer'S Capital
Lead Diplomats to Hope
That Relations May Con-
tinue Friendly,
l.r MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL LEASED w,ns

tsr MORNING JOURNAL sPrcisL LEASED wlHsl
Washington, May l5.-Word that
Ambassador Gerard had read and
presented to Herr Won Jagow minis
ter for foreign affairs of the imperial
German government, the American
note sent Thursday as consequence
Of the Lusitania tragedy and other
occurrences in the war zone. removed
all anxiety here over the delay in
transmission and awakened intense
interest In the nature Of Germany's
reply.
In view of telegraphic and cable
delays and the probable necessity for
conferences between the foreign min
lister and the imperial chancellor. Won
Bethmann-H Hollweg, and doubtless
Emperor william himself, it would
not be considered surprising here II
the response did not arrive for an
other eight days. II was believed
possible. however. that Ambassador
Gerard might report earlier on the
manner in which the American note
was received by the government and
the semi-official press
May Stop Submarine Attacks.
In the interim confidence prevails
among high officials and is shared in
German official quarters that there
will be no submarine attacks on pas
senger vessels while the questions at
issue are being resolved.
The intimation which came in press
dispatches today indirectly from Ber-
lin to the effect that Germany would
willingly submit the questions raised
by the American note to arbitration,
was received with much interest and
1t was indicated that IL there was a
suspension Of submarine warfare on
merchant ships while the discussion
was In progress, the plan might bel
given serious consideration by the
American government
Arbitration Probable.
Arbitration also has been talked OF
here before today's press dispatches
arrived. Some German officials had
intimated that although without adj
vices from Berlin, they were conf
dent from previous knowledge of the
desire of the German government TO
remain friendly with the United
States that arbitration would he well
coined. The difficulty of constituting
a court of arbitration at this time |
when most of the great powers whose |
participation might be desired are at
war was pointed out by some dlplo- |
iildltSlS, HOWNNtii 40 AiidNi"S 49,
plan impracticable.
That some way would he found to I
reach an amicable settlement be- |
tween the United States and Germany
was the growing conviction OF many /
officials and diplomatists today. A
variety of suggestions We're heard.
Situation May BE Cleared Up.
One which was given serious
thought was proposal to refuse
clearance to belligerent ships carry
ing munitions of war or absolute
contraband If they also carried pas
sengers. This would involve no emf
barge but a separation OF passenger
and contraband traffic.
The United States stands firmly on
the legal right of its citizens to tra-
vel on any ships and believes its po-
stion Is indisputable. Germany how
ever. holds that this has become a
debatable question on account of
changed conditions and If the two
classes of ocean going traffic were
separated, submarines would direct
their attention to contraband ships
alone.
Humane Treatment of Crews.
The objection to this. however, i'll
the opinion of some officials. us that
the plan still would not provide for
the humane treatment which inter-
national law prescribes for the crew
of vessel carrying contrapand ana
making no resistance TO visit ana
search or any attempt TO run
blockade. To torpedo, without warn
ing or even to give time FOR the
crew of vessel carrying contra
band to get into small boats, 1T was
pointed out would leave them TO the
mercy of the high seas, unless a hlg
boat happened to be nearby TINS is
the position in the American note
and some officials doubted whether
there would be any concessions onl 1
this point, for it involves the prin-
ciples of humanity for which the
United States has taken so vigorous
a stand.
Question of Armed Merchantmen.
Another suggestion which was
widely discussed by officials was the
possible announcement by the allies
that none of their merchant ships
would be armed hereafter. Merchant
ships of any nationality, according to
q ruling from the state department
early in the war. have the right to
carry guns not larger than six-inch
caliber "for defensive purposes only,
but by an informal arrangement with
the British government clearance has
been refused British ships at Ameri-
can ports unless they disposed of
their guns.
Out of these phases of the ques-
lion there was belief in diplomatic
quarters however, that some soiu-
tion of the questions involved event