The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-04-23
Have to Do With Safety of Americans in Germany and With Supervision of Teuton Interests in the Belligerent Countries

Washington, April s2-The United States has made tentative plans to cope with every conceivable situation which would result from the severance of diplomatic relations with Germany. For reasons they indicated were obvious officials to- night deemed it unwise to discuss the de- tails.
 There are reasons for believing, how ever, that some of the plans have to do with the safety of American citizens in the German empire, and that others have to do with American supervisions Of German interests in the countries at war with Germany.
 Numerous dispatches on these subjects are understood to have been sent to diplo- matic representatives abroad, particularly to Ambassador Gerard at Berlin. The dispatches are regarded as being highly confidential, and for that reason informa- tion concerning them is unavailable here
 GERMANS ARE SURPRISED
 Among dispatches received from Am bassador Gerard within the past two days was one describing the manner in which the American note, declaring the purpose of the United States to break relations unless Germany modified her submarine methods, was received by German off cials. While this, too. was held confiden- tial, it is understood that Ambassador Gerard represented Berlin officials as be- o< Ac of Washington. MT. Gerard is said to have gathered at least an impression that the foreign office had no idea that tho com munication would be as drastic and final as 1t was.
 The general feeling here tonight ap- parently was not at all optimistic regard ing the outcome. In the absence of fur ther informative advices from Ambassa- dor Gerard the days press dispatches were read closely. Indications in them that there might be delays or requests for additional information were regarded by officials as significant. It is well understood, however that the United States under no consideration will permit delay and discussion unless it is preceded by a declaration from Germany that she has so modified her submarine warfare to bring it within the scope of interna- tional law.
 Dispatches of an important nature hourly are expected from Ambassador Gerard. It is expected that before Mon day, or certainly soon thereafter, the ambas assador viii be in position to fore cast with some degree of accuracy what will be the view of the German govern ment.
 In the meantime, the situation in Washington remains one of intense ex- pectancy. officials are confident that be- fore this time next week the issue will have been settled; that the United States will feel certain the safety of innocent non -combatants on the high seas is as- sured, or steps for diplomatic break will have been taken.
 FOREIGNERS INTERESTED
 Among the foreign diplomats here the effect of break between the United States and Germany is topic of wide in terest. The consensus of opinion seems to be that diplomatic relations between the United States and the allies of Ger many need not necessarily be affected In regard to Austria, however, much is considered to depend upon the answer made by the Vienna government to the American inquiry regarding the attack upon the Russian bark Imperator. carry
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