New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-19
SUSPENSION MAY
BE PERMANENT
Washington Hopes Nego-
tiationS VIII Prevent
Resumption.
REPLY TO BE DELAYED
Berlin Likely To Be Too Busy
with Italy to Answer Amer
ican Note at Once.
By W. L. MCPHERSON.

By W. l.. MCPHERSON.
Washington, May 1S.--From
discussion of the report that the An
chor Line steamer Pennsylvania had
been unsuccessfully attacked by a
German submarine off Northern Ire
land. developed unexpectedly the
news that the German government
has ordered submarine warfare
against merchantmen suspended
pending negotiations with the
United States From a competent
source it was learned tonight that
instructions have been issued from
Berlin which ought TO prevent a
recurrence of the Lusitanla disaster.
Il is understood that the German
Embassy is aware of the suspension
of the submarine campaign and that
its members we're greatly surprised
TO hear Of the reported narrow es-
cape of the Transylyania.
The officials of the embassy know,
of course. that II negotiations are
to be begun with reference to the
reparation which Germany is TO
make for the submarine attacks on
the Gulfight, the Falaba and the
Lusitania and with reference to the
legality of Germany's methods Of
sea warfare, the outrages which
called forth this country's protest
must stop. That is an obvious con-
dition precedent 10 a friendly set
tlement.
II is therefore not surprising tha.
the German government, in view OF the
difficulties surrounding any attempt on
its part 20 pacify neutral sentiment.
should have taken steps 20 avoid any
further friction with neutral nations.
II the Transylvania was attacked. it is
assumed By those who ought to know
what the German governments inten-
tions aye that the suspension notice
from Berlin simply failed 10 reach one
or more of the submarines operating
of the north coast Of Ireland and tho
west coast OF Scotland. IL is felt here
that temporary suspension OF the
submarine campaign may easily lead to
an absolute suspension OF IL after Ger
many coolly balances the advantages
and disadvantages OF complete
change in her naval policy.
Reply To BE Delayed.
In Official circles there Is now little
expectation Of reply from Germany
before the end OF this week.
President Wilson is taking his time
on the return trip from New York. He
will not be here until Thursday. More
over. Germany has crisis in Europe
10 face. which, from her point of view.
is more absorbing than the Lusitania
crisis. ltaly's attitude is vastly more
threatening 10 German fortunes than is
the present attitude Of the United
States. So far as military coercion Is
concerned we can throw little into the
scale But ltaly's participation in the
war must mark the beginning OF the
end for GermaEy'S two alhes-Austris-
Hungary and Turkey.
Il would be natural for Germany 70
hold I'D her answer until after the
meeting Of the Italian Parliament. set
/ FOR Thursday next. II Italy decides TO
20 20 war the Importance OF the Ger
! man submarine campaign against neu-
trail and allied merchantman will have
already dwindled. The war will be de-
cided on land and sea bushwhaekns
will have become q nearly negiigioss
factor. Facing such radical mocihea'
| ton OF the military situation, Germas
/ diplomacy may see that II IS not wortn
/ while 10 aRront any longer the united
sentiment OF the neutral world, espe-
| cially since such a course will insvi-
ably add the United States 10 the
growing list OF the Kaiser's enemiea
Probably no single influence has cen