The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-08-24
WHAT WILL U. S. Do
WITH GERMAN SHIPS?
Intcrncd Vessels. Worth $40
600. 200. Might BE Seized,
Some Believe.
4 DIPLOMATIC PROBLEM

WASHINGTON. Aug. 2S.-What would
be- the attitude OF the United States to-
aard the many informed German vessels
In the ports OF this country in the event
- war is discussed In Washington now
with much interest. German merchant
vessels tied up - American ports are
supposed to be worth $4,000, 200. There
also are several German war vessels in
termed.
Their. have been uggcstions hat the
United States might seize the $4,000, 900
worth of German vessels by way OF re-
Irtsal II Germany continued to ola
American rights on the high seas. II
has been realized. though. that such a
rcprisal would he regarded by Germany
a. an act OF war or would lead at least
t. reprisa!s by her against American
property In Germany.
In the event OF war, many here be-
lieve that the United States would imme-
diately seize all these important German
vessels and rapidly convert them to its
own use. That they would make val
liable auxiliaries TO the United States
navy, OF course, is apparent, There is
no doubt that II a break with Germany
threatened to extend beyond the rupture
VI diplomatic relations, "A very close
watch would be kept on these vessels
Might Sail Now.
OF curse, the United States would be
urable to prevent the sailing Of the Ger
man merchantmen now tied up in these
ports, before there had been any decla-
ration of war, unless II was suspected
that the neutrality OF this country was
being violated. There - good reason to
believe, however, that the warships Of
the Allies would be ON the watch for any
attempt by these German merchantmen
TO escape AMI this circumstance may ac-
count partially for the reported reap
p%earauce OF British men OF war OFF Sandy
Hook.
Some officials in Washington have
raised the question whether the United
States would be able TO seize the German
vessels as an act of reprisal at this time
OF confscete them In the event OF war
without violating a treaty. 1t is pointed
out that the treaty OF 1928 with Prussia,
which both this Government and Ger
many have agreed Is still in force. con-
tains the following article
IF war SHOULD arise between the two
contracting parties the merchants OF
either country then residing In the other
snail be allowed to remain nine months
TO collect their debts and settle their
affairs, and a depart freely. carrying
OIL all their effects without molestation
or hindrance II all women and chill
dren, scholars OF every faculty. culti-
vators or the earth. artisans, manufaC-
turers and fishermen, unarmed and In
habiting unfortiied towns, villages or
places, and in general all others whose
occupations are for the common sub
sis,ence and benefit of mankind, shall be
allowed to continue their respective EN-
pigments, aud shall not be molested in
their persons, nor shall their houses or
goods he burned or otherwise destroyed,
nor their fields wasted by the armed
forces OF the enemy into whose power
by the events OF war they may happen
to fan but II anything Is necessary to
be taken from them for the use OF such
armed force the same shall be paid for
at "A reasonable price"
Some officials We're Inclined TO the
view that this treaty stipulation might
be construed to permit the officials OF
German steamship lines to depart with
their vessels or AT least would operate
to prevent the United States from SELF
ing them within min months. Others
contend that this treaty provision would
not apply,
In any event Washington officials eX-
peCt to see the millions OF dollars worth
of German steamships tied up in this
ountry figure prominently in the course
OF events II the trouble with Germany
u serious proportions,