The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-08-24

WASHINGTON. Aug. 23.-lf after a full
investigation OF the facts the Washing
ton Administration is convinced that
Germany committed "A deliberately un-
friendly" act In the sinking OF the steam
ship Arabic. diplomatic relations between
the two Governments will Immediately
be severed. This was learned on high
authority tonight.
TIL circumstances Of the sinking OF
the White Sta liner. as they now appear
from unofficial reports. are regarded by
Washington authorities as constituting
an act OF that character. Only the es-
adjustment OF new facts In connection
with the attack on the Arabic or a
disa BY Germany OF The act Of
her submarine commander "a there
fore avert a crisis In the relations be-
tween the United States and Germany.
President Wilson will avail himself
Of every opportunity consistent with
the honor and dignity OF the United
States Government to avoid "A rupture
with Germany. Il Is said, but he will 20
no further. There will be no backward
step from the solemn warning conveyed
~ - 80 $50 Va N''" ~
eminent.
VIII Act Firmly aud Quickly.
Information obtained here to-day
sweeps away every vestige Of doubt
as to the Presidents resolution to deal
firmly and quickly with the situation.
once he is convinced that American
rights on the high seas have again been
deliberately violated by the German
Government.
Until complete information is at hand
Nr. Wilson and Secretary Lansing will
reserve fnai judgment on the sinking
of the White Star liner, The hope Of
the President and his advisers Is that
this judgment will not be long deferred.
Steps were taken to-day to expedite
matters, Instructions were sent to Am
bass1dor Page at London TO cable "A
summary OF the atildayits obtained by
him, and a message also went forward
TO Ambassador Gerard at Berlin direct
Ing him to inquire of the Berlin For
eign Office IL a report had been received
from the commander Of the German
submarine with regard to the sinking
OF the Arabic, Mr., Gerard Is not to
ask for any explanation. but his IN
quiry will amount 10 an invitation to
Germany 10 furnish to this Govern
nltHl tue report OF Inc kunlIll rlIlt-
commander, Also, the opportunity will
be at hand for Germany to make any
statement in her own defence IL she de-
sires to do so.
There IL no way OF telling exactly
how long it will be before a reply is
received from Ambassador Gerard.
There have been suggestions from Btr-
lin already that II might be a week
or even TWO weeks before the German
Admiralty had received a report from
the submarine hat sank the Arabic.
want. Gan the Facts"
II Germany desires to play for time
sne VIII have the means AT her dis
posal for doing SO, for President Wilson
Is determined that this Government shall
do nothing rashly. but shall act only
after II has received full information
available in regard to the attack upon
the Arabic, II is assumed by the Gov
eminent officials that Germany will not
unnecessarily delay the presentation OF
her side Of the case.
To emphasize the determination of
the President To secure all possible in
formation before closing his mind as
10 the Arabic incident. this statement
was issued at the White House
The Secretary TO the ~ esldent, after
afternoon. made the f~oIIovirr $50 us
"'Wlth reference to Tho sinkina ~. 81, ~
| Arabic. as sn. n as ali tho f.n,s "
certalned our course of action iii 81
determined'" ' WI NC
There was evidence ~ so,ra t,,ra
In official quarters to-day over the fact
r~n"s,ved frnm, - ha1 yet nnSh
dispatches received fom The
dA~ NlaHnaH GA, ---