The Sentinel=record., 1915-02-21

Washington, Feb. 2o-The United States probably will make no reply for the present at least to either the British or German notes, regarding respectively the use of the American flag on foreign vessels and the dan gers 10 neutral shipping in the naval war zone about the British Isles, but will stand firmly on its warning against destruction of American lives or vessels.
 Many officials who know the situa- tjon expect some further move only in event of an overt act.
 This was indicated in high official quarters today after the official texts of the communications had been read. The documents will be further examined, however. to determine whether there is anything in either note which, if not answered now, might he construed later as an ad. mission
 In the case Of the note 10 Great Britain ohjectlna to anv general use of the American flag by British ves- sels, the communication from Eng land was not regarted as altering the original warning Of the Cnitel States against the measure of responsibility which would seem to be imposed on England if any American vessels or lives were lost as a result of such general practice, though the denial of any intention to make frequent use of the neutral ensign was reassuring 10 officials
 The American government already, it was pointed out. has stated in em- phatic language that Germany would be held to strict accountability for any loss of American vessels Tor lives" and this warning is construed by addition of this to be sufficiently broad also to cover any injury to American citizens aboard bel.igerelt yes els
 The arguments in both the British and German communications cAars- ing violations of the rules oi interna- tioaal law and warfare, it is held, by American government officials are ol no concern to the United States. The breaking down of the doctrines of in- ternatioual law as between the bel ligerents does not. in the vie wof high officials here. affect the status oI those rules as between the thite3 States and Great Britain and Ger many, with whom this country is at peace. The position of the United states is based on the right of neu- tral to demand certain treatment TOT it's ships and commerce regardless or the respective actions of the DeI lg- erents. Further correspondence with the beligerents is opposed by many high officials on the round that the American government ought not to be drawn into a discussion of charges which Great Britain and Germany have made toward each otaer.
 There is every prospect however that the long British note replying to the American protest of December 2S on the subject of contraband will bring forth a rejoicing from the United States. The discussion therein is one of the academic principles of international law, and while officials here admit that the commerce of the United States has been treated since much better by the allies than before the protest was sent they are unwil- ling to set any precedent by acquics- cense in several of the British con tentions.
 The state department of late has received comparatively few com plaints of detentions and seizures. and the opinion prevails among off cials that the American note has had its desired effect.
 As fer the note which Great Britain sent on the case of the American steamer Wilhelmina bound for Ger many with a cargo of foodstufis, now held by the British prize courts, the state department will enter into no further espondence on the sub feet, awaiting. as has been the cus- tomary practice, the decision of the prize court before making diplomatiH representations.
 The decision Of the court is eX- pected. however. to be made within a