Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1915-08-23
UNITED STATES
NOTE TO BERLIN
Germany Will Be Told That
Further Parleying
Will Be Useless
AN END OF ARGUMENT
Many Speculations Are Made as 10
What Will Follow Final Represent
tation 10 Germany.

Washington, Aug. 23-The United
States will act promptly and decisive
lv as soon as all the facts in conhec-
tion with destruction Of the While
Star liner Arabic by German SUD-
marine have been received.
There is a well-grounded impression
in official quarters that the Arabic
case is not to be followed by dlscur-
sive, diplomatic correspondence. Inc
German government is to be given an
opportunity to offer an explanation OF
what now appears to be another vlo-
Jation of international law, but the al"
ministration is expected to draft
brief note on the uselessness of en-
tended diplomatic parleying, and ask
ing definitely that Germany give the
assurances which this government mas
been trying for months to obtain. Inc
note is expected to be msslve o.
less than 500 words, with a tone c.
linality.
The opinion in official circles is that
q break in the relations between the
two countries is at least possibility
The view is that the note must be 4
plain, unequivocal statement by TINS
government that it cannot excuse or
Justify such an attack as was made
on the Arabic, on which Americans
were travelling.
II is expected the note will point
out briefly tnat German iubi'la; "'s;@
are fast vessels, equipped with gum
and that events of the past Fe"
months have demonstrated they are
able to observe the recognized prac-
ticcs of warfare in dealing with s''s-
pected merchantmen.
1t probably will he contended that
submarines should have little fear OF
attack from any vessel approached,
and their speed and submersible pow
ers afford them u minimum of danger
from attack by slower cruisers, gun
boats or patrol vessels.
With this broad premise, the Unit
ed States is prepared to close the ar
eument regarding its demand that
submarines shall warn before attack
ing liners upon which there are Anr
orleans. 1t is believed the administra-
tion will ask for the last time whcth-
cr il is the intention Of the German
government to recognize the lnterna
tional law principle of visit and search
Failure of Germany to give such as
surances at this critical Stage -ill n
rraught with grave possibilities, at
fectinr the diplomatic relations OF the
two governments. 1t Is taken i"
Granted in official quarters the Amer
lean representations to Germany will
have the tenor of finality, reflectlnI
the impaticnce of this government!
that since the sinking of The LusGanla
nearly four months ago. diplomatic
correspondence and controversy has
not been fruitful of an understanding
between the two. nations.
Questions yet to. lie answered be-
fore this government finally shapes
it's course are:
Was the Arabic conveyed when a.
tackled or had she been conveyed pre-.
viously?
| Was she attempting to escape,
which might he assumed from thi
! Covington affidavit that she suddenly
changed her course?
. Was the Arabic en- route to thC
stricken Dunsley, previously torpedoeo
/ in the same vicinity?
! Was she attempting to run doWr
: and ram the submarine?
; -0-