Evening star., 1915-07-06
Diplomats Striving to Evolve
Formula for Note Accept
able to Both Nations.
OUTLINE OF DRAFT GIVEN
TOTHE U. S. AMBASSADOR
Discussion of the Issue Raised Over
Submarine Warfare and the Lu-
sitania Incident.

BERLIN, July 5, via London, July 6.-l
1t is learned that a preliminary ex-
change of views is now proceeding be-
tween the United States and Germany
regarding the nature of the forthcom-
ing German reply to the American note
respecting submarine warfare and the
Lusitania incident. This is responsible
for the delay in the delivery of the
German note. the transmission of which
to the American government was ex-
pected today. The efforts of the diplo-
mats on both sides are directed to-
ward evolving, through an Informal
discussion, formula for note which
would be acceptable both to Germany
and the United States, and it is be-
lieved that the note when it is pre-
sented and published will have rea-
sonable chance of furnishing a basis
for satisfactory settlement of the
submarine problem.
In consonance with this plan, the Ger
man under secretary for foreign affairs,
DIR. Alfred Zimmerman, and the Ameri-
can ambassador, James W. Gerard, had
a conference Saturday, at which the
nature of the draft of the note as
elaborated in the German conference
was outlined to the ambassador and
discussed from various angles.
Great Reserve on Both Sides.
1t is understood that Mr.. Gerard has
informed the State Department at
Washington fully as to the outline of
the note, and instructions from that
department are awaited before further
steps are taken. The greatest reserve
is being maintained by both sides in
the interval
Officials of the German foreign office. |
who are the usual sources of news on
negotiations. have for several days de- |
MED themselves to American news
paper callers, in order to prevent the |
nature of the deliberations from leak |
ing out, and although the character of
the German proposals as at first con- |
the nature of the proposals in the |
draft under consideration Saturday, |
which has received the emperor's ap-
proval, is being most carefully guard |
ed. There is reason to believe, how
ever. that these have in view the at
tainment of some means for insuring |
the safety of Americans travelling on
passenger ships. possibly by some plan |
OF certifying the cargoes OF the ves-
sells |
Details of the plan present greater |
difficulties than the principle itself, be- |
cause the Germans wish to preserve as |
great freedom of action as possible |
to interfere with shipments of war |
supplies to Great Britain |
Germany's Attitude.
1t is pointed out in certain quar-
ters that the German government is
animated by a sincere desire to go as
far in providing for the safety at sea
o. Americans travelling on lawful occa- |
sions' as consistent with military ne
cessities and the force of German |
pUbnc opinion. And this is force |
that IS certain to be taken into ac-
count.
'. is believed. however, that by the |
change Of views a solution may be |
found which would go a long way !
toward meeting the American wishes |
The term passenger ships" Is used
longer a question of torpedoing Amer
lean ships in the war zone. 1t is |
pointed out that the American desires |
in this direction have already been |
met to the fullest degree by Ger !
many. which is animated by the most |
sincere desire to avoid any attacks |
on American craft.
1t appears to be equally not a ques- |
tion, so far as Germany is concerned. |
of abandoning the submarine warfare |
against hostile merchantmen generally.
much as this might be desired by |
American opinion on humanitarian
grounds.
Recent Successes Encourage Teutons
The recent successes of the German
submarines against vessels of big ton
mage and great speed have augmented
the desire of German public and press
for a continuance Of the campaign, the |
effectiveness of which is no longer
questioned here.
Much weight is laid, too, upon the |
German contention that the submarine !
campaign against British commerce is |
,i,1rt haIvH
less merchantmen.
1t is further contended that so long
as Great Britain does not withdraw
her instruction regarding attacks upon
submarines il will be impossible for |
Germany to conduct her submarine |
campaign as considerably as might be |
desired.