Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-20
mo IMMEDIATE ANSWER"
EXPECTED FROM BERLIN
German Government Mt This Time Is
Occupied With Austro-ItaI-
Ian Crisis.
WILSON HOLDS NOTE TO ALLIES
VIII Not Make Further Representa-
tions Concerning Commercial EN-
barge Until Issues With Kaiser's
Nation Are Disposed OF.

WASHINGTON, May 1a-President
Wilson will await reply from Ger
many to the recent American note be-
fore making further representations
to the allies on alleged violations of
international law in their commercial
embargo OF Germany
This was made clear to-day with the
explanation that data concerning de-
tentions OF American cargoes had not
been completed, and that. moreover,
the notes under preparation would not
be sent now in any event, because
President Wilson was unwilling to have
the situation with Germany compli-
Gated by the American Eovernment's
correspondence with Great Britain
II Is understood the Presidents posi-
tion is that the case OF the United
states. as set forth In its note to Ger
many, should be disposed Of irrespec-
tive or any contemplated move with
regard TO the allies. The idea pre-
vailinG in some quarters that repre-
sentations to the allies might influence
the character OF the German reply is
not shared, it is said, by the President.
who is understood to hold that the
German government naturally should
have confidence that the United States
would do its utmost to safeguard its
rights in all cases.
CONTROVERSY INVOLVES
SAFETY OF LIVES
Ihe controversy between the United
states and Germany. it was pointed
out. involved the safety OF the lives
or American citizens at sea, and neces-
states prompt understanding. oues-
tions OF property raised by the issues
over contra band as between the United
States and Great Britain require more
time to collect data, and no lives are
endangered by delays.
secretary Bryan said to-day that mo
immediate answer" was expected from
Germany to the recent American note.
The German government is occupied
Just now with the Austro-Italian crisis.
government officials to-day cleared
up a misapprehension that has existed
IN many quarters rs to the extent to
which the American note insists upon
Il restriction OF the activities of the
German submarine. The idea that a
complete abandonment of the sub
marine rs commerce destroyer Is
asked for. is incorrect, II was stated
Inc United States pointed out its OBJ
1ections generally to the present
method Of conducting submarine war
rare and the difficulties OF exercising
visit and search, but officials explain
that the legal rights of the United
states only extend to the safety OF
Americans on board belligerent ships.
should Germany return to the practice
OIL torpc'iolnS merchantmen after
giving them warning and time to save
al members OF the crew, ground for
objection here. it is admitted. would
De Tor the most part removed Prior
TO the drowning of Leon G. Thresher.
when the British steamer Falaba was
torpedoed on March IS, no American
iives were lost. and the German sub
marine commanders sank scores of
ships
REPORTS NOT CONFIRMED
AT EITIIER EMBASSY
Reports that Germany had decided
TO suspend submarine attacks on mer-
chantmen were not confirmed today
at either the German or Austrian en-