The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-05
Publication of Text of the German Reply Only Step Taken to Solve Tangle Yesterday
OFFICIALS DECLINE
 TO GIVE OUT TEXT OF
 THE AMERICAN NOTE
Five Separate Negotiations Relating to Subject of Maritime Warfare Are Now Pending

Washington, March Adjudication of the official text of the German re- ply to the American proposals for a cessation of submarine warfare and for free shipment of foodstuffs to civilian populations of belIigerents was the only step taken by the United States government today in connec- ton with the maritime situation as it affects neutrals.
 The state department declined to give because they still are under considera- ton by Great Britain and her allies Until some reply Is received from the allies it Is unlikely that any further move will be made by the United States, though preparation of a protest to Great Brit aims declaration of an embargo on com merce between Germany and neutrals has been begun.
 Reports from London that Great Brit ain was sollcitous about American opiu- ion on her declaration Of commercial embargo were read with much interest today. Sir Cecil Spring Rice, the British ambassador, called on Secretary Garrison during the day and it was reported he had sought unoffically to learn Mir Gar risons views. The Secretary of War would not discuss his conference with the British ambassador beyond saying it was unofficial
 With the adjournment of Congress it generally is believed President Wilson and the cabinet will give almost exclusive at tention to the foreign situation.
 Replies to Notes
 Replies to various diplomatic notes from up within a few days. It has not been decided whether all unanswered commun- ications shall be treated in one formal comprehensive note or whether the sep arate character of the different steps will be preserved. The United States has pending five separate negotiations, all re- lated to the subject of maritime warfare and the rights of neutrals
 1. Great Brltain's preliminary observa- tions and then complete reply to the American protest of December 2S. con- has not been answered, being superseded by more pressing developments.
 9. Great Britains reply to the American warning against the measure of rsspon- sibility that would seem to be imposed should American vessels be attacked on account of the fictitious use of neutral flags has not been answered. The state ment of the American position in this note probably will not be reiterated but the United States is expected to stand on the warning already given
 German Reply
 3. Germany's reply to the note from the United States stating that Germany would be held to strict accountability for any attacks on American vessels or lives in the new marine war zone has been left unanswered. This. too. probably will be continued in further correspondence only in so far as it relates to the general sit uation, the warning being regarded as adequately conserving American rights
 4. The proposals from the United States to Germany and Great Britain for the removal of mines, the abandonment of submarine warfafo on merchant ships and an arrangement by which the civilian populations of belligerents may import food if the distribution is supervised by American organizations or agencies have been answered by Germany alone. Anj answer from Great Britain Is still awaited. g. The American government has un- der consideration the most recent note from Great Britain and France to all neu- annOllpcipE that the al- lies would hold themselves at liberty to stop all commerce between Germany and
 (COntinued on Page Ten.)