South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-07-16
Count Won BernStorff and SeC'y
Lansing Spend Half Hour
in Going Over the Sit
uatiOn.
NO EXPLANATION OF
REPLY Is NECESSARY
SeC'y Lansing Refuses to Com
ment on Conference, Hold
ing That it Was Con-
fidential.

WASHINGTON, July 16.-The re-
cent German note to the United States
on the subject of submarine WARFARE
as conducted by Germany against the
commerce of the allies was discussed
by Ambassador Count Won Bernstorff
with Sec'y of State Lansing for half
an hour today.
This was the first discussion be-
tween the secretary and the German
envoy since the arrival of the German
representative in answer to Pres't Will
sons latest note on the L.usitania case.
Declaring that the interview was
highly confidentiaf' Sec'y Lansing
said he would not attempt to answer
questions as to whether it was vital
and final. He added that, in his
opinion no explanation of the last
German note was necessary as had
been suggested from various sources.
The secretary refused TO confirm the
report that the German ambassador
had sounded the stare department as
to whether il in turn would broach to
Great Britain the subject of some
modification of the British blockade
of Germany in return for loosening
of the submarine ring which has
destroyed hundreds of British ships
during the past eight months
Appeal is Not Up.
The appeal made by Austria 70 the
shipments of war from this country TO
Great Britain and France, was not
touched upon in the conference and
the secretary said that no word in
dicating that either Germany or Tur-
kew would send notes similar to the
one presented by Austria at the state
department.
The secretary mentioned to the am
bassador. however, the terms of the
German note expressing regret at the
attack by a German submarine on the
American steamship Nebraskan.
On leaving the secretary's office Am
bassador Bernstorff called upon Third
Asst. Sec'y of State Phillips. 1t is un-
derstood that Phillips laid before the
German envoy the reports from AM
bassador Gerard, consular representa-
tive in Germany, with relation to
American interests in German terri
tory and also reports from the allied
countries on the condition of their
German prisoners.
The ambassador, it is now learned,
sent to the Berlin foreign otf1ce
through DR.. Anton Meyer-Gerhard, a
suggestion that the German reply
should contain a proposal that Ger
many seek the cooperation of the
United States in bringing about differ
ent conditions on the high seas. 1t IS
realized, of course, that England
would have to be a party finally TO ne
gotiations if they are to be effective
all around.
Negotiations such as Germany sug-
gests would involve the acceptance by
Great Britain of the good offices OF the
United States as a mediator in the sea
warfare deadlock which has arisen
between Germany and her foe-name-
ly. the blockade as employed by Great
Britain and the submarine campaign
as employed by Germany in retalla-
tion.
While such mediation will not dls-
pose of the Lusitania case and the de-
mand of this government that Ger
many disavow the destruction or the
Iusitania and make reparation. so
far as possible, for the American
lives lost, the negotiations. If put under
headway, probably viii bring about
a change in future conditions. Sue
cessful negotiations between Germany
and England, with the United states
as mediator. not only would minimize
the dangers from Gernany's subma-
rfne warfare but it will have soften
ing effect upon the controversy which
has arisen between the United States
and Great Britain over the detention
of American cargoes by Inc latter gov
ernment.