Bisbee daily review., 1915-02-16
ALL INTEREST. CENTERS IN
 WASHINGTON
But Three Days Remain Be- fore Submarine Campaign Will be Commenced by the German Admiralty.
U. s. TRANSMITS TWO
 NOTES TO ENGLAND
Washington Fears that Pres ent Situation Presents Ser ious Menace to American Shipping and Exports

WASHINGTON, Feb IS. - Three days remain before the German Ad- mirslty proposes to carry into effect the proclamation ordering a submar- inc campaign on the enemy's merch- ant ships Developments in the dip lomatio situation moved rapidly thru the medium of the United States, the custodian of the diplomatic interests of the various belligerents.
 Count Von Benstorn delivered to the United States which promptly transmitted 1t to Great Britain note in which Germany offered to recede from her plan of destroying the ene- mys merchant ships, if the restrict ions planned by the Allies on ship ments of conditional contraband and foodsmns destined for the civilian population of Germany were removed. Otherwise, the note announced. Ger many proposed to put into effect the original proclamation. adding also that mines would be strewed in the waters surrounding Great Britain and Ireland
 The state department also instruct ed Ambassador Page to submit to the British foreign office evidence given by the owners of the American steam er Wilhelmina, to prove that the car go consists of foodstuns consigned to non-combatants and not subject to seizure The suggestion is made that unlCess Great Britain has suf- fcient grounds, which have not yet been advanced. for doing otherwise the ship should be permitted at once to proceed with her cargo to her des- tination.
 From the German point of view the Wilrelmina constitutes the test case on which revolyes the entire question of feeding Germany The German ambassador here. in recent note to the American government, pointed out that Germany had modified its decree SO that imported foodstuffs would not be taken over by the gov erment. and suggesting that Ameri- can organizations or consular officers be appointed 10 supervise the distri- button of imported foodstufls as a guarantee that none of the American shipment would reach the armed fore es of Germany
 Sir Cecil Spring Rice, the British ambassador, discussed the situation with state department officials On an sides it was admitted here the de- velopment Of the last few days pre- sents most serious situation for American commerce.
 Administration officials think even though assurances were given event ually by Germany that neutral ships will not be attacked the effect of the war zone proclamation will be to in- timidate Ameerican shippers and re- duce American exports. That the next step of the United States may be a pronounced statement to Great Britain on the subject of conditional contraband. was indicated by the state department
 The American government, in the first note, argued strongly for the un restricted shipment conditional con ditional when destined to non-com batants. The British preliminary re ply did not opose this view but said that unconditional acceptance could mi he given on account Of Germany alleged inhumane practices
 It is believed here that the Ameri can government might seek an under