Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-02-27
Encouraging Reports Received
From Ambassadors Gerard
and Page as to ConSidera-
tion Of American Notes.
EXPECT ACQUIESCENCE
OF GERMANY SHORTLY
Rigid Reticence Both in United
States and Abroad CIoakS
Exact Nature of Negotia-
tionS With Secrecy,
10y Aoaslra JOURNAL srrelAl lsAsro wlasl

iss MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL LEASED wtart
Washington, Feb. Encouraging
reports from both Ambassadors Page
and Gerard at London and Berlin. re-
spectively were received by President
Wilson and his cabinet today concern
ing the attitude of Great Britain and
Germany toward the latest American
proposals for the safeguarding of neu-
tral commerce from the dangers OF
submarines and mines and the un-
restricted shipment of foodstuffs to
the civilian population of bellgerent
countries. Complete replies are not
expected for several days because the
subject is still under consideration by
England and her allies.
Germany's Willingness to make con-
cessions and negotiate for an under
standing on the vexatious questions
already has been made known infor-
mally to the United States and for
NAL acquiescence is expected in a day
or two. All eyes are now turned on
London, where the opinion is under
stood as yet to be divided on the mer-
its Of the suggestions. Some of the
leading men in the British cabinet
are said 10 favor in principle the
American proposals as "A means of
solving the problem with as little in
convenience 10 neutral countries as
possible. Another element. however,
is said to he impressed by the military
value of further restriction of food
supplies to Germany and more repri-
sails, and there is some indication that
when the final resolution on the
American proposals Is to be made the
military faction Will present strong
opposition to them.
Exact Nature Not Disclosed.
The exact nature of the proposals
is still unknown because of the rigid
reticence of the officials both here
and abroad but each day adds infor-
nation on the subject Briefly, this
much of the contents OF the American
suggestions now has been confirmed.
The United States has asked that the
previous rules Of international law
with respect to the shipment by neu-
trails of conditional cOntraband des-
tined to civil populations and not the
the belligerent forces of an enemy re-
main unaltered.
system is suggested whereby
whereby proof can be furnished that
proof can be furnished that the
supplies will be used by the civil
ian population
The removal of all floating mines
by Germany as well as Great Britain
is proposed this not TO apply how
ever. To mines used for protection of
coast defenses and harbors. pilots to
he furnished to guide neutral ships
through such fields as remain.
Attention is called to Germany's
promise that IL foodstuffs are not de-
tanned when destined 10 her civilian
population the submarine warfare on
merchant ships will be abandoned.
The American proposals do not
dwell on the attacks made by the
German submarines on enemv ships
as the position Of the United States
it Is understood, Will not permit in
reference in the mode of warfare
adopted by the belligerents toward
each other except where the lives of
neutrals are placed in jeopardy. n is
assumed, however. by officials that
the promises made by Germany of an
intention to abandon such warfare on
merchant vessels and confine opera
tions to those enemy vessels carrying
troops and munitions of war would be
If foodstuffs were to be given
passage to GERMANY
The details of the proposals 1t is
felt there can be readily arranged IL
there is a disposition on the part Of
both Great Britain and Germany to
make concessions.
The destruction of the American
steamers Carib and EVELYN continued
to be talked about in official quarters
and while inability to fix the respon-
sibility for the accidents has removed
for the present the danger of compli-
cations with the belligerents. the hope
of the American government is that
danger from mines will be eliminated
by the acceptance of some, at least, of
the American proposals.
The state department today re-
ceived the following telegram from
the American consul general at Lon
don. dated February %:
pilot station Dover discontinued
Vessels that formerly
took pilots at Dover now supplied i'm
the Downs from Deal