New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-14
Asks DenunIiatiOn of
Sinking. Not Plea
OF ignorance.
AUSTRIAN ENVOY
VISITS LANSING
Zwiedinek Had Not Heard
from Vienna German
Tactics Repeated.
From ,hs Tribune Bureau J


Washington. Dec. l3.-Austrla
will attempt the tactics which have
been used by Gcrmany-eyade the
issue as far as possible in her reply
to the American note on the Ancona
case and try to place the response
bility for any break in relations on
the United States-a according TO IN
dications close to the Austrian En-
bassy tonight If this is attempted,
officials here insist. the break will
come. but Austria and not the
United States will be to blame.
"Austria-Hungary does not desire
a break in relations with the United
states and will not force il. The
Austrian government will do every
thing reasonable to avoid such an
outcome Of the Ancona affair, and II
break comes it will be by the will
Of the State Department" This
statement, made by man close to
the Austrian Embassy, is believed to
reflect the attitude adopted by the
Germanic allies.
The view of the State Department
Is exactly the opposite. Austria de-
liberateiy courted rupture with
the United States, officials declare, If
she failed to issue instructions to
submarine commanders IN accord
ance with the terms of Germany's
assurances when the Arabic was
sunk. and the blame will therefore
rest on Vienna.
German Joker Again.
As officials of the State Depart
ment point out. an admission by
Austria that submarine commanders
have not been instructed to torpedo
unresisting passenger ships is far
different from a declaration that
they have been instructed not to DO
so. The suggested reply would not
amount to disavowal, much less to
the demand of the United States that
Austria "denounce" the deed.
Nor does such a stand offer either
any guarantee for the future or any
acceptance Of Americas declaration
that neutrals' lives must be safe. IL
merely evades responsibility in the
present case, leaving all the issues
where they were, and so csuld not be
accepted as an answer TO so positive
a note as has been sent.
Moreover, the note was based on
circumstances already admitted by
Austria. and the fact that the sub
marine has been lost, if true, could
have no bearing on the demands
made.
U-Boat Lost. is Plea
In Austrian quarters here the
probable reply to the American note
;s outlined as follows: Austria VIII
point out that the submarine has
supposedly beer lost, and that fur
ther information concerning the cir
cumstances of the attack is therefore
unobtainable. The commander OF the
submarine, however, had no orders
TO silk passenger ships without CIV
ing the passengers and crew an op-
portunity to save themselves. II he
did this he exceeded his instructions.
and Austria disclaims responsibility
for his act and offers reparation.
Friends Of Austria here believe such
a reply should be deemed suficien,
basis for continuing negotiations, even
l. not wholly satisfactory 10 the
United States. In other words, they
pin their hopes for an smicsble
settlement not so much on ready
compliance by their government as or
e prolonged and involved discussion
which would cloud the main issues, as
IN the LuSlldulh COhNtONcis!, anu udht
summary action by this government
impossible.
The uncompromising attitude Of the
State Department, however. confirms
the tone OF the note and leads TO the
belief that nothing short OF com
plete bsckdowa b. Austria will satisfy
this government. Unless. therefore
the State Department yields 10 some
extent, break is apparently in
evitable.
Ultimatum s Next.
The note was sent il was learned.
with the belief tha. Austria would
/ oapitulate, but with a full willingness
/ 70 face a break il she did not. IL is
/ suggested IN official quarters that n
tustria's reply shows a disposition 20
/ prolong the discussion, the next move
/ Of this government will be to send an
actual ultimatum setting definite
time limit for a full compliance with
the dcmard for a disavowal and pay
ment of indemnity.