Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-25
BERLIN ASKS TIME
TO TELL ITS STORY
Fears United States Will Form
Hasty Judgment on Sink
ing of Arabic.
EXPLANATION is AWAITED
Official Tension Relaxes When
Count Won Bernstorff De-
livers Message.
EXPLANATION IS AWAITED

WASHINGTON. August 24.-Count
Won Bernstorff. tho German ambas-
sador. communicated TO the State Do
partment to-day instructions from
Berlin expressing regret IL Americans
lost their lives In the sinking OF the
liner Arabic. and asking that the
United States delay taking definite
stand in the case until Germany could
report in more detail.
This was the FIRST word from an Of
hcihl source concerning the Arabic, on
which two Americans perished. It's re-
ccip, was followed by an evident re-
Taxation OF tension among officials. No
attempt was made. however, either at
the state Department or the White
House 10 interpret the amba ssador's
communication. Officials merely said
the American government. of course.
would await the German explanation
GERMANY ASKS CHANCE
TO TELL IT'S VERSION
Count Bernstorff telegraphed from
New York the text of his Instructions
from Berlin az follows:
80 far official Information OBJ
tainable concerning the sinking of the
Arabic. The German government
trusts that the American government
Viii not take n definite stand at hear
ing only the reports OF one side.
which. In the opinion of tho imperial
government. cannot correspond with
the facts. but that a chance will be
given to Germany TO be heard equally
Although the imperial government does
not doubt the good faith OF the wit
nesses whose statements arc reported
by the newspapers in Europe. 1t should
be borne in mind that these statements
arc naturally made under excitement,
which might easily produce wrong i'm
pressions. II Americans should have
actually lost their lives. this would
naturally be contrary TO our inten-
lions. The German government would
deeply regret the fact. and begs TO
tender sincerest sympathies TO the
American government"
Secretary Lansing indicated he did
not intend TO reply a. this time. He
agreed 10 publication OF the ambas-
sador's statement. but said he had no
comment TO make.
Particular attention was attracted
here by the statements assertion that
the imperial government believed ac-
counts OF the sinking from England
could not correspond with the facts.
These accounts. in afidavits by the
ships captain and American survivors.
have agreed that the Arabic. an un-
armed British passenger vessel, bound
for the United States with no con-
traband, was torpedocd without warn
inG by a German submarine.
MAY REQUIRE LONG TINE
FOR OFFICIAL REPORT
II may he a week or more before
Germany is heard from further. The
report OF the submarine commander
must he awaited. and II is known ten
days more sometimes elapse before
the underwater boats return TO their
bases and communicate with their ad-
miralty.
The State Department will consider
tho evidence forwarded by Ambassador
Page and the consular officers a Liver
pool and Queenstown. So far only a
synopsis of the affidavits OF American
survivors has been cabled. The texts
OF the affidavits have been mailed.
In connection with the German am
bassador's communication. it was re-
called that three days after the LuHi-
tania was sunk the ambassador pre-
sented note expressing Germany's
sympathy and regret for the loss OF
American lives. There was no attempt.
however, TO deny that the Lusitania
had been sent to the bottom without
warning, and blame for the disaster
was placed upon the British govern
ment, which permitted a vessel carry
ing contraband to sail with passengers,
including neutrals.
1t was reported tonight that Count
Bernstorff expected to come to Wash
ington shortly to discuss the situation
with Secretary Lansing. Mr.. Lansing
said no engagement had been made.
though he would be glad 10 sec the
ambassador at any time.
President Wilson and Secretary Lam
sing conferred after receipt Of the Ger
man message. The usual Cabinet meet
ing was not held to-day, and il is
probable the Arabic situation will not
be placed before the Cabinet until the
German explanation and all reports
from Ambassador Page have been re-
ceived and the President is ready to
shape the course of the United States
government.