Omaha daily bee., 1915-07-12
U. s. OFFICIALS
VIEW SITUATION
AS VERY GRAVE

OIL. CONTINUED from Page one)
viii maintain the dignity Of the United
states and give promise of obtaining some
satisfactory settlement OF the dispute.
There was no denial in any quarter that
the general situation was fraught with
grave possibilities THIS was indicated,
however. in the undertone OF comment
rather than in any direct way.
on tue law of the case the American
position was held by officials TO be abso-
lutely impregnable because 1t was
founded on the well-recogDized principles
by which nations have long been guided.
A deadlock has been reached. it was de-
,cIared. on the legal Interpretations, re-
spectively. held by Germany and the
United states on submarine warfare as
affecting the rights OF neutrals.
The question seemed 20 most officials
nov rather one OF national policy involv-
ing the settlement OF whether the con-
tinued insistenee on American rights
would develop situation menacing the
peace OF the United states or whether
passive acquiescence In the German point
OF view would embarrass the American
government In its relations with other
nations,
,-sLook TO the Waited states.
Many neutral nations have indicatedin-
formally 20 the United States that they
! looked TO this country TO uphold neutral
rights under international law and their
ENJOYS here were alert tonight FOR in
formation concerning the probable course
OF the United states so that their foreign
offices might be promptly advised.
Analysis OF the unofficial text OF the
note confirmed Impressions given by
Ambassador Gerard during the last few
days that practically none OF the Ameri-
] can demands would be needed The
American ambassador had reason TO be-
heve that two weeks ago favorable
answer might be expected, but within the
l last week. has cabled Washington re-
peatediy not Co expect a satisfactory an
swer.
Just what was responsible for the
change In the situation and the final de-
Termination OF the Gerr an government
20 refuse the assurance asked for i'm the
American notes. officials here would not
4 say. Many of them. however. did not
hesitate to comment ON the apparent
similarity in the proposals made by Ger
many with Views expressed by former
tsecretary OF State Bryan. There have
heon frequent intlmations, too, through
official sources hare that since the resig
;, nation of MIR. Bryan. high German off.
clals believed public sentiment in the
United states was divided and would not
continue unanimously 10 support the po-
sition taken by President Wilson.
g."scOmment Of the Press
] EadlfOrf9l Inv
papers was read with deep interest by
officials and there was satisfaction wher
II was learned that apparently the news
papers largely concurred with the Off
cinI view here Secretary. Lansing spent
tho afternoon az home at work on mem
oranda on tho situation scofetar,
rumuity was IN frequent communication
by telephone with President Wilson.
The date OF Mr.. IIansing's departur,
: for Cornish with the official text Of IN,
! reply has not been decided. Only thre,
sections Of the five IN which the not,
; was coded by Ambassador Gerard hal
| reached here late tonight Tomorrow, IN,
= complete text will be available and viii
be made public.
Secretary Lansing said ne had no rea
. son to doubt the correctness OF tn
: press copy. which arrived here earle
because II was not delayed in transmits
sion, but he could not take the Question
! formally under consideration until n
official text was in his hands
!. Several cabinet officers were abseb
\ from the city. but Il is probable tina
they will'send their president their sus
: 2 gestions IN advance OF the next cablne
4 meeting -
- Count von BeInstorff. the German am
i eAssador. who was here today from hi
summer residence. would make no com
nent u was Indicated however. 1
German diplomatlc circles that the repl
was viewed as onening the way to fli
ther friendly relations.