The sun., 1915-05-25
U. s. MAY DECLARE
NEUTRALITY TO-DAY
Washington Gets Official NOti-
ficatiOn Of Austro-Ital-
ian Conflict.
NOW LOOK TO RUMANIA

WASHINGTON, May 24.-The United
States Government was to-day officially
advised OF the existence Of state OF
war between Austrts-Hungary and Italy.
Ambassador Page at Rome reported that
war had been declared. while the italian
and Austro-Hungarian Ambassadors
both called at the state Department to
communicate the facts OF the situa-
ton to Secretary Bryan. II is expected
that proclamation OF neutrality will
be issued tomorrow.
Tho chief interest In the situation
apparent here to-day was not with re-
gard to Itaiy's immediate acts. but as
to what Rumania Is going to do. There
is n belief here that whatever part
Rumania Is to play already has been as
signed to and accepted by her. II Is
not doubted that England and Italy and
their allies have made very definite
arrangements with Rumania. II Is
thought more than probable that Ru-
mania will enter the war. though It Is
doubted II this action will be taken at
once.
II was positively made known here
to-day that the United States has not
been invited to take charge OF Austrian
Interests In Italy. 1t Is presumed that
this is due to Germany's action. Ger
many having Invited the Swiss to as
sumo charge Of her interests, instead OF
asking the United States. which repre-
sents Germany In the capitals OF the
countries with which she was at war
before Italy Joined.
1t Is supposed that the German ana
Austrian Governments have taken cogni-
zance OF the possibility OF strained rela-
tions with the United states growing
out of the Presidents note 20 Germany
regarding submarine operations. The
United states has taken charge Of Italy's
interests in Vienna and will proba bly,
he asked to DO the same AT Berlin and
Constantinople.
The Italian Ambassador will make
public tomorrow statement from his
Government to all neutral Governments.
II will he communicated 20 the state
Department FIRST
II Is understood that in every respect
/ the policies Of Italy will conform 10 the
wishes ~ her three allies. This. 1, IL
said, will particularly be the case in re-
gard to commerce and contraband mat
ters. on which the Italian Government is
said TO have arrived at not only an
understanding but a positive agreement
with Great Britain and her allies
officials here expect this expansion OF
the area OF The Allies policy with re-
spect t. trade with Germany will sim
plify matters so far as American trade
interests IN the Mediterranean are con-
cerned. There will be no longer any
detentions or seizure, Of American ves-
sells or cargoes IN that region. as II will
he to Italys own direct interest to see
that no goods landed at her posts reach
enemy territory. IL is probable that the
Italian fleet will relieve the French fleet
Of patrol duty and that the latter will
join the forces opposing the Dardanelles.
The Swiss Government will undouot-
edly he compelled to arrange with the
Governments of France and Italy for
getting Imports into the country. 10 the
belief here. II Is probable that the
Swiss will follow the example Of the
Dutch and organize a government i'm
porting company. which will place orders
in Switzerland for all goods needed and
guarantee that such goods will not he
permitted to reach the enemies OF Italy
and France. switzerland Is now ringed
with warning countries and Is absolutely
dependent on them for communication
with the outside world.