The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-02-14
GERMANY EXPECTS
U. S. AID IN LONDON
Ambassador Says Neutral
Trade Depends on Action in
Wilhelmina Case.
GIVES NOTICE TO BRYAN

many were emphasized to-day when the
German Ambassador called on Secretary
Bryan to impress on him the vital Inn
portanCe OF the issues involved In the
Wilhelmina case.
His presentation of Gsrmanys views
on these issues was practically equiva-
lent TO notice that II Great Britain would
not permit food to reach the civil popu-
lation of Germany from the outside Ger
many would use all means at her COM
mand TO cut off British supplies Of food
In either event the loss to American
trade will he second only to the injury
suffered by the belligerents. and II was
obvious that II liz Germany's expecta-
ton that this Government will take steps
to preserve its trade with England.
which will have the effect of making a
similar trade with Germany possible.
Hints have been received In official
quarters here that II the United States
by strong defence OF the Wihelmina
case could bring about modification OF
the British intention not 90 let any food
cargoes reach Germany because OF the
German food appropriation decree there
might be substantial notifications of the
operations proposed by Germany under
the war zone decree, against which
operations the United states protested
two days ago. Unofficial dispatches
from London to-day indicated doubt
In the British mind as TO the wisdom If
pressing the case OF the Wilhclmna to n
conclusion and preventing It's cargo Of
foodstufts from reaching Germany. Both
these possibilities would II they became
realities relieve the present situation
OF the United States. which Is now one
OF great difficulty because OF pressure
from both Germany and England.
Bases All on wiIhelmins.
The German Ambassador in his visit
to the State Department made IL clear
that he regards the issues in the case
OF the Wilhelmina as absolutely funda-
mental and at the bottom OF all the
threatened difficulties for American
trade with either OF the bellgerents
He set forth plainly the view OF Ger
many that Grea. Britain by partially
closing the North Sea to neutrnls and
announcing an intention to starve out
Germany had gone beyond all laws OF
warfare and civilization and had Justi-
fled therefore such retaliation as Ger
many might undertake.
He reminded Secretary Bryan OF the
assurances given to the United States
by his Government that importations
OF foodstuffs from this country would
be exempt from the provisions of the
decree providing for Government con-
troll OF the food supply. that the Ger
man Government would guarantee that
no such foodstuffs imported would reach
In any way the armed forces OF Ger
many. but would be reserved entirely
for sale and distribution among the civil
population. These guarantees, Ger
many holds. should be wholly accept
able to Great Britain, and the Am
bassador's statements left no doubt that
II they were not accepted and food
cargoes permitted to pass to Germany
the German Admiralty would do its
utmost 20 prevent sccA sh!p: from
reaching England.
Ambassador Won Bernstorff made no
demands on the United States in the
matter but indicated what might be
expected II Great Britain adopts the
course indicated when the wihelmina
case first arose-that OF preventing the
cargo from reaching GERMANY The
inference was unmistakable. however,
that Germany looks to this Govern
ment TO take such steps In the Will
helmina case as will bring about the
abandonment by Great Britain Of what
are understood to be her present in
tentions.
American Efforts Told.
While not admitting the right of
10 tAtTl pressure on tnid
Government in the matter, officials
pointed out to Ambassador Bernstorff
what has been already done by the
! United States in the Wihelmlna case.
| He was informed that this Government
| has asked Great Britain to defer prize
court proceedings until a presentation
of the facts in the case could be made
in behalf of the owners OF the cargo
/ The owners have submitted to the De
] prtV hrHa t,l, L.,
viewed by the Department. II II is
found to warrant the support OF the
/ Government the brief will be transmitted
! to the British Government by the State
| Department with a view to convincing
the British that they have not n suffi-
/ client case TO warrant prize court pro-
| ceedings
1t is understood that the State De.
| partment Is inclined to think the Ameri-
can case a good one. in view of the
guarantees given by the German Gov.
eminent IN regard to the disposition OF
such food cargoes. The German Am.
baasador emphasized the assertion thai
Germany desires to have all possibl,
neutral trade and is not seeking tc
interfere with IT, He pointed out tina
! in response to an inquiry from tn,
United States at the beginning OF tn,
war Germany declared her willingness,
to abide by the Declaration OF London
The action OF the Allies, he said, n
refusing to accept the declaration as II
force caused the United States to with
draw its request and made the declara
ton OF no force In the war. Great Brit
ain, he insisted. had gone further ant
acted In a manner beyond all principles
OF international law, and this conduc
I'm the German view justhes the Berlil
Government In retaliation up 10 the limi
OF the powers OF the German sea forces.