Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-20
Avoid Complication

This was made clear today in otfl-
cial quarters, where 1t was explain
ed that data concerning detentions OF
American cargoes had not yet been
completed and that, moreover the
notes under preparation would not be
sent now in any event because of I'M
willingness on the part OF the Presl-
Diet to hanve the situation with Ger
many complicated by the American
governments correspondence with
Great Britain. 1t is understood to be
the Presidents position that the case
of the United States as set forth in
it's note to Germany should be dis
posed of irrespective of any contem-
plated move with regard to the Allies.
The idea prevailing in some quarters
that representations to the allies
might influence the character Of the
German reply is not shared, it is said
by the President, who is understood
to hold that the German government
naturally should have confidence that
the United States would do its utmost
to safeguard its rights in all cases.
The controversy between the United
States and Germany, it was pointed out,
involves the safety of the lives of Amer
lean citizens at sea and necessltates
prompt understanding. Questions OF
property such as are raised by the issues
over contraband as between the United
States and Great Britain require more
time to collect data and no lives are en-
dangered by any delays.
"No Immediate Answer
Secretary Bryan announced today that
mo immediate answer was expected
from Germany to the recent American
note.
1T may take several days. he said
| 1--WE don't know exactly"
Government officials today cleared VI
! any apprehension that has existed in
| many quarters as to the extent to which
! the American note insists upon a restric.
! ton of the activities of the German sub
marines. The idea that a complete aban-
donu1ent of the submarine as a commerce
| destroyer is asked for is incorrect. it is
| stated. The United States pointed ou
| its objections generally to the present
method of conducting submarine warfare
and the difficulties of exercising visit
and search but officials explain that the
legal rights of the United States only
extend to the safety Of Americans or
board belligerent ships. Should Germany
return to the practice of torpedoing mer
| chantmen after giving them warning and
time to save all members of the crew
ground for objection here, it is admitted
would be for the most part removed.
Germany Continues Attacks
Reports that Germany had decided
! to suspend submarine attacks on mer-
| chant men were not confirmed today
at either the German or Austrian en-
bassies or the state department. To-
day two British ships were torpedoed
In anticipation of the report that Ger
many would point to the carrying OF
arms and ammunition aboard the Lu-
sitania as violation of American
statutes. it was learned today, officials
of the state department consulted the
| department Of commerce before the
America note of May 10 was complet-
ed. The rulings and opinions Of legal
officers of the government as late as
1911, it was found, construed the stat
utes as applying to self-exploding
material and not to small arms and
ammunition.
II IL INV huoNA Win sumo dSiAiAeS
ness that Germany will indicate her
| willingness to have her submarines
&C toward all merchantmen just as
destroyers or cruisres would, giving
ample time for passengers and creT
to leave, provided merchantmen ara
unarmed or if passengers and contra
band traffic are separated. That po-
sition is looked upon with some favor
here, provided it is suggested as q
temporary arrangement and does no,
involve the REIMBURSEMENT by thi
United States of the rights of its citi.
zens to travel anywhere on the higi
seas on enemy or belligerent unarmed
ships.