Imperial Valley press., 1915-02-20

Isolated
F'rOn1tle
Mainland

lated from the continent of Europe
today so far as British shipping il
concerned. No English ship has lef
the east coast ports since last
night.
1t is probable traffic will be helo
up indefinitely awaiting information
from the admiralty that there is ne
further danger from German sub
marines.
British naval officers believe Ger.
many has from fifteen to twenty sub.
marines lurking off the English
coasts.
Swansea, Wales, Feb. 20.-The Ger
man submarine blockade has praeti-
cally no effect on shipping from thi.
port Everything is normal.
Copenhagen, Feb. 20.-There is nc
interruption to Danish sea traffic.
Ships are leaving for England as
usual.
Copenhagen, Feb. 2O.-The Norwe-
gian steamship Bjorke struck mine
in the North sea today when bound
from Leith to Narstow with a cargo
of coal and foundered. The crew
were saved.
London, Feb. 20-The steamer Cam
bank was torpedoed. supposedly by a
German submarine, off Holyhead to-
day. -Four Of the crew were drowned
Britains Explanation.
Washington, Feb. 20.-Great Brit
aims official declaration of defense OF
the use by British merchant ships Of
neutral flags today failed to change
the international situation arising out
of the war zone and flag questions. in
the opinion of administration officials.
except possibly that it opened the way
for further exchange of diplomatic
notes between the United States and
England and the United States and
Germany. There still is a wide range
Of views regarding the next move of
this government, but it is believed in
some quarters that Germany's argu-
ments SO far have presented no eX-
cuse for attacks on ships flying neu-
tral flags without first verifying their
character.
In the matter of the destruction Of
ships by mines, it is pointed out that
such an incident, while doubtless it
would force this government to resort
to strong measures, would compel the
United States to first determine which
nation was the offender, as both Eng
land and Germany appear to be SOW
ing mines.
L. S. to Reject Disclaimer.
Washington, Feb. 20.-The United
States will not accept Germany's dis
claimor for responsibility for blowing
up American merchantmen by German
submarines, if any be sunk.
This will be made entirely clear
in the reply to the German note
to be sent by the United States, it is
learned today. The note will not be
Delligerent, but will leave no doubt
as to the American position. 1t is
expected the reply will be sent to the
German foreign office early next week
and it is understood Councillor Lam
sing of the state department is now
drafting it at the direction Of Presi-
dent Wilson.
Germany Stands Pat
Washington, Feb. 20-Germany will
not alter her war zone policy in any
way so long as Great Britain pursues
her present course in the matter of
foodstuffs. This emphatic declara-
ton was made by Ambassador Won
Bernstorff after conference. with
Secretary Bryan. He reiterated the
stand Of Germany that the Kaiser's
government cannot be held responsible
for disaster to neutral shipping, be-
cause the German submarine cam
paign is made necessary by Great
Britain's failure to observe the rules
of international law.
Germany Complains.
Washington. Feb. 20.-The ambas-
sadors of Germany and Austria today
lodged complaint with the state de
partment on the building OF subma-
rines in the United States for use
by Great Britain. The complaint
stated that these craft are being built
here and shipped in parts to Canada,
where they were either assembled or
shipped to England.
Won Bernstorff issued this state
ment:
"The plant of the Bethlehem Steel
Company and the Union Iron Works
at San Francisco are, according to
reliable information, sending compon-
ent parts of submarines ordered by
the British government to Canada.
Submarines for Great Britain are
also being built in Boston and Seat
tie. The attention of the United
States department of state has been
drawn to these facts by the German
and Austro-H Hungarian embassies, be-
ing in contravention of the laws OF
neutrality.