Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-02-20
UNITED STATES
STANDS FIRMLY
BY ULTIMATE
Washington Hopes Germany
May Not PreCipitate Crisis
by Destroying American
Merchant Vessels,


Inv MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL lrAstn wlau
Washington. Feb. 10. President
Wilson and his cabinet discussed at
length today the dangers to American
vessels and commerce growing out Of
the reiterated determination of The
German government to wage a war
fare OF submarines and mines on en-
envy vessels. dlsclaimng all RESPONSE
bility for what might happen 20 neu-
tral vessels venturing into the new
sea zones of war.
Canvass of cabinet officers later
disclosed that the administration re-
gaurded the developments of the last
few days as OF grave importance.
Members of the cabinet declined 10
predict what would be the course of
the United States. Some pointed out
that in every serious situation in in
ternational affairs, much discretion
was vested in the president and that
his action would necessarily be guild
ed by the circumstances of each case
II any attacks on American vessels
occur ed
Officially the United states govern
ment had not received from Ambassa-
dor Gerard up 10 late tonight. the
text of the German reply TO the
American note and until IL is in hand,
no decision will be announced as to
the administrations policy.
In the informal discussion of the
reply as published in the press some
members of the cabinet took the view
that while the situation was serious,
there was an indication in the Ger
man note of willingness to nego-
tiate and discuss the subject further
which might. perhaps, postpone the
active enforcement of the proclama-
non sufficiently long to permit an UNI
dcrstanding 10 be reached about the
safety Of neutral vessels and their
Identification ON the high seas Tho
delay ia receiving the note from Ans
bassador Gerard was regarded as of
advantage in that 1t had been given
opportunity for elaboration here and
i'm Berlin.
The fact that Germany had empha-
sized in the reply the orders to her
navy To use discretion and care when
approaching ships flying neutral flags
was viewed as indicating that the
!
be exercised by the commanders OF
submarines to distinguish between en-
envy and neutral vessels.
Condition Critical.
On the other hand, however, the
portion of the note in which Ger
many disclaimed all responsibility for
what might happen to neutral ships
either by submarine torpedoes or
mines produced a feeling Of appre-
hension among high officials that O
critical point might be precipitated
| in the relations between the United
States and Germany. These officials
suggested that there would not be
| less cause for anxiety If Germany had
negotiated as did Great Britain
France and Russia, treaties with the
United States agreeing to submit &c
o commission of Investigation of any
difficulties that may arise between
them. While the German ambassador
here is known to have endeavored te
bring about the negotiations of such
a treaty, the outbreak of the wal
with it's increased burdens on the
German foreign office diverted from
it there and the state department mas
been looking forward to renewa
of discussion of the treaty at the frs
opportunity.
opinions varied as to what steps
would be taken by the United States
when the text OF the German repl,
is officially received. Some contend
ed that inasmuch as the United
| States had Informed. Germany tina
the latter would be held ito a stric
accountability for any attacks OF
American vessels and lives, the in
terests of the American government
might best be conserved now b,
standing unalterabiy on that warn
| inc and awaiting DEVELOPMENTS.
The scandinavian View.
some of the Scandinavian coun-
tries in their representations to Ger.
MANY II IL said have used tn,
,h,,aso "aocountabilitv'' In the sens,
of demanding compensation for losses
sustained. Hollands protest is be-
ne,'ed n have conveyed this meaning
as Vol as n warning of possible ac
ion The fact that the United Slater
aia ,ot define its future course, blu
ins, /, onen 10 construction by the re.
atnta,,t ~ he American note, is re-
,n,'dad IN some unofficial quarters a,
sesiItno unnecessary any further ex
,h','tior ~ The attitude of thu
,,ariaan government to German,
~ $3.50 overt act occurred.
,rha nosition of the United State
=, tte Communication to Germany wal
~ ~, .stst,aa ~ come extent today b.
,.tp;.,,.,tr,tio, officials who insiste,
huii' n ~ ,sa ~ submarines, which
rHu.,,a,,,, claimed made il unsafe a
e..