The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-07-23
BEFORE DECIDING ON NEXT
STEP IN DIPLOMATIC
POLICY.
if Demands Are Granted. Wilson
VIII Then Take Up Questions
With England.

WASHINGTON. ID. c. July ~
The United States government. before
determining the next step In its gener-
al diplomatic policy. will for a brief
period await indications from oficIaI
quarters in Berlin a. to the reception
OF the new note warning Germany
that the loss OF American lives
through further violation OF neutral
rights would be regarded as "un-
friendly
The note. started on It's way to Ber-
lin late last night. probably will be
delivered by Ambassador Gerard to-
morrow. II will be given out by the
state Department for publication In
saturday morning newspapers.
Everywhere in oflcial quarters II
was pointed out to-day that the docu-
ment speaks the anal word on how
the United States government would
regard further transgressions OF its
rights. The general trend OF comment
was that the repetition OF such a dis
aster as befe,l the Lusitania would
mean the convening OF Congress by
President Wilson for consideration OF
the action TO be taken. In the event
that the status quo r. maintained,
however. and there are indications
through official or unofficial channels
that German submarines in the future
Will conform TO the rules of inter
rational law in saving the lives OF
Americans on unresisting merchant
men, President Wilson will take up
very soon the situation that has aris-
en- with Great Britain over interfer-
ences with American commerce by the
allies.
Note Practically Completed.
For several weeks a note has been
practically completed, almost ready 20
be sent TO the British government re-
iterating the protest against devia-
tions from International law In the
operations OF the Order-in-C Council
against commerce with Germany. Inc
note has not been sent because Presi-
dent Wilson has been unwilling 10
give the impression in Berlin that the
controversy between the United States
and Germany in any way could be con-
ditiOned on the progress of the Ameri-
can governments negotiations with
other belligerents. II became known
today. however. that II there are IN
dications that the new American note
10 Germany Is received in a friendly
spirit and there appears no intention
further 10 violate neutral rights on
the high seas. the new protest 10
Great Britain viii be despatched pro-
badly within the next fortnight
General Principles.
Data is being gathered AZ the state
department. but the new note prob
ably will not deal TO any extent with
specific instances. contending chiefly
for the general principles involved
with renewed insistence on modifica-
tions in the order In council TO con
form with what the United States re-
cards ss the accepted rules of inter
national law. The recent filing Of
legal caveat announcing that orders
In council and British municipal law
do not affect the rights Of American
citizens under International law was
the first step in the policy which the
United States is pursuing 10 obtain
acquiescence in its point OF view.
Interest centered for the most part
today in official and diplomatic quart
crs on the nature Of the new note TO
Germany Sufficient OF its contents
had become known 10 cause wide
spread comment on the apparently
determined position taken BY the
United States