South Bend news-times., 1915-07-10
EXPECT WILSON NOW TO
ASK DIRECT ANSWER
Situation is Disappointing But
Not Alarming Says Washing
ton - England Again Held
Responsible by TeutOnS.
German Reply May BE Found on
Page >.

WASHINGTON. July 1O.-"Disap-
pointing but not alarming" This was
the view expressed privately today in
administration circles OF the attitude
of the German government relative
to Prest Wilson's demand for free
dom OF the seas for Americans. as
shown in the text of the German note
received from press services.
Official comment on the probable
attitude of this government was with
held pending an opportunity 10 study
the official text of the note. This was
expected 10 be available late today
Answer Not Direct.
But the unofficial translation OF the
German reply was regarded as indi-
eating clearly that Germany has not
come forward with the direct answer
expected. and there must be' further
diplomatic correspondence lt was
believed not unlikely in official qUsSa
ters that the United States followisS
two evasive replies from the kaiseTSE
government. viii now demand a CON
else response TO former cOmmunica-
tions.
The entire subject it is expected Will
be considered by the president and
his cabinet next Tuesday if the presi-
dents plans 10 return 20 Wash
ingtOu by that date are not changed
Stripped of its argumentative
phrases. the German reply holds out
no assurances for the safety of Amer
leans III they travel on passenger ships
of a belligerent-such as the Lusita-
MIA was Americans on American
ships or marked" neutral ships need
not fear molestation, providing this
government assures Germany that the
neutral vessel carries no contraband.
stay OF Enemy's ships.
The note i'm effect says there is no
need for Americans TO use vessels be-
longing 10 enemies of Germany.
Officials read with especial interest
that clause in the note saying that the
mere presence of Americans aboard
an enemy ship cannot protect IT,
This was cOntrued as another meth
Cd of saying that If Americans persist
in using British passenger ships be-
lieycd by Germany TO be carrying con-
traband. Germany Will not guarantee
their safety Nor does Germany indi-
cate that she viii stop 20 search or
seize such ships. In fact. it is pointed
out that British merchantmen en-
deaVOr 10 ram submarines and that
the latter cannot run such risk.
Tt is upon this point that the grav-
ity Of the situation was believed To
rest. It is not believed that this gov
eminent win agree 10 g. system under
which Germany must DE advised OK
the sailing of neutral vessels with
Americans aboard. such information
carrying with IL q guarantee that
there is no contra band aboard the
neutral vessel
Likewise. it is regarded as impos-
sible that the United States can ac-
cept doctrine than an American on
a non-hghung vessel is subject 20 de-
structiOn without warning anywhere
on the high seas.
Blame England Again.
Germany in almost every paragraph
OF the reply 90 thu United States puts
on Great Britain the responsibility
for the situation. The kaisers gov
ernment contends that the British
blockade jeOpardizes the German en-
pire because ~ was inaugurated TO
starve her people I'm the final para
graph the kaiser suggests that =
Pres't Wilson can use his good Offices
TO modify the blockade an under
standing between Germany and the
United States easily would be reached.
AS a whole. therefore the German
reply is regarded in certain quarters
as an argument rather than an an
swCr II does not shut out further
interchange between the governments.
but it makes necessary more delay
IN the adjustment OF the Lusitania
controversy and does not hold out a
promise Of acceptance Of the under
living principles enunciated by this
government IN its two previous COM
municatiOns.
Avoid LuSitania Incident
\ matter OF special moment 20 ON
cial Washington Is the apparent
avoidance Of the Lusitania incident.
The German note barely refers 20 the
tragedy and there IS au utter lack OF
assumption OF responsibility FOR it.
Regret IS again expressed indirectly
that the Lusitania had 20 go down but
thcre is coupled with il the suggestion
that Great Britain is really 10 blame
because Of the British blockade and
the order 70 British merchantmen 20
ram submarines.
a yes or no answer on the question
OF responsibility is expected 10 he de-
cabinet draft a third note 10 Germany.