Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-09-10
By Charles P. Stewart.
United Press Staff Correspondent }

Omitted Press Staff CWrespOndent.)
Washington, Sept. 10.--Relation's be-
tween America and Austria Hungary
were strained today to the breaking
point following America S request for
Austrian Ambassador Dumba IS recall
because of ais efforts to cripple Ameri-
can munition plants IN which Austrans
are employed.
The threatened breach may cause sew
erance Of diplomatic relations between
the two nations, but this would not
necessarily result in war, was the con-
cIusior reached in authoritative circles
here. Certainly, admitted nigh officials
the request for his recall is pregnant
with possibilities of an cpen break.
If Austria refuses to heed the Ameri-
can request, and recall Dumba, the
United States government will hand
him his passports. Such a course, it
is believed, wCnld be followed by Aus.
tria' handing passports to American
Ambassador Penfield at Vienna
There was good ground for the be.
lief that Dumba's home government
may back him up in his recent activ-
titles. 1t was pointed out that he ap-
parently was acting with the direct
approval of Austria, though the foreign
office perhaps did not, know the exact
steps he had taken in his munition
crippling plan.
Think Austria viii Comply.
Should his government support him
officials said more serious issue would
be forced than the mere elimination OF
Dumba as diplomatic representative
here. The administration, however, con
fidently hopes that Austria will comply
with the recall request.
This government is already arrang
ing with the allies for a safe conduct
for the envoy. The general opinion
here was that Dumba will be recalled
but that Austria will not Immediately
appoint his successor. Baron Ericl
Hwiedenck, counsellor of the embassy
will be made charg d affaires, it il
believed.
Prompt action is expected from vi
emma, The American request is al
ready there. An answer within twt
days is anticipated because Of a prob
ability that Austria wishes to preven
more grievOus rupture than aread,
confronts the two nations.
Dumba s passports have been prepare,
and will be forwarded to him as sool
as Vienna IS plans are known. He vii
not call again at tine state department
and probably will not return to Wash
ington.
1t was officially stated that Pres
dent Wilson was most reluctant to ac
against Dumba, desiring to avoid
breach, particularly at q time when n
lations with Austria s ally, German,
are already strained.
Bernstorff Involved.
The possibility was suggested that
similar issue will be raised with Be
lin on account of German AmbassadC
Won Bernstorff' IS relations with Amer
can Correspondent Archibald, and I'll
ENJOYS alleged interest in Germa
plan to call out German munition worl
ers, as Dumba contemplated doing wit
Austrians.
Archibald, upon whom were the te
tale Dumba letters, 10 returning
America, under an emergency passpo
issued by this government and an i
yestigation Of his part in the Austria
and perhaps German-plans will |
instituted. Archibald was quoted tn
week as saying he had been made
scapegoat by Dumba, not knowing Il
contents Of the letters he was carryiI
to Vienna. If he proves this it is b
lieved that the United States can nal