Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1916-04-20
Severance of Diplomatic Re-
lations Threatened Unless
Demand Complied With.
CONGRESS NOTIFIED
OF ACTION TAKEN
Note Forwarded to Berlin Yesterday
Final Word Of L. 5. In CONTROVERSY.
Washington Willing to Accept
Satisfactory Assurances.

Washington, April 19.-Presdent
Wilson has said his "last word" on
the submarine controversy.
He has told Germany he will break
off diplomatic relations unless pres
ent methods of submarine warfare are
| Immediately abandoned.
Congress was so informed today,
when the president went in person be-
fore the assembled house and senate
and told them what he had done.
An hour later, the state depart
] ment received word that the note had
I been delivered to the foreign office
in Berlin. 1t was then given out
| for publication.
How Situation Stands.
The best obtainable information
and diplomatic opinion is that the
situation tonight between the two
governments is as follows:
@ fPhe note to Germany Is an ultima
tum so far as the question of sever
/. ing diplomatic relations is concerned.
LIT is not an ultimatum on any ques-
ton relating to war between the two
countries.
The United States rests its case for
the present on this noe, expecting
reply from Germany within reason
abb time. probably a week.
If the German government suggests
any means of complying with the
demands, the United States will enter
tain them, but as condition preced-
ent 20 any such suggestion there must
be an affirmative declaration that
present submarine methods will be
suspended. The United States wants
no more boats sunk in violation of
international law, administration Of
ficials said, while it is discussing the
issue with Germany.
If Germany refuses to declare it's
abandonment of present methods of
warfare, the United States must
break off diplomatic relations. This
would be done by recalling Ambas-
sador Gerard and giving Count Won
BernstOrff his passports.
Whether war would follow would
depend on the future submarine
operations of Germany.
Up to Germany.
This statement was given out at the
state department:
UNLESS Germany declares an aban-
donment of present methods of SUBJ
marine warfare, diplomatic relations
will be broken off. We ask an imme-
date declaration of this abandon
ment."
At the white house, 1t was said:
Sup to the present time, Germany
has practically been Judge Of her own
actions. Henceforth. the United states
will be Judge. No further explana-
tons will be sought, but the govern
ment will act in accordance with the
note"
No hint came from Berlin tonight
as to Germany's probable action. In
diplomatic quarters here, however,
where officials are skilled in the
science Of overcoming appare nifty in
obstacles, it was sug-
gested that Germany may be able to
give assurances with honor to her
self and satisfaction to this govrn-
ment.
Bernstorff Meets Lansing Today.
Count Won Bernstorff, the German
will call on Secretary OF
State Lansing. He will probably
make a preliminary statement of the
probable Intentions of his government
and assure the secretary of its desire
to continue its present friendly re-
lations with the United States.
1T was evident that the state de-
partInent did not intend. even If re-
lations should be broken with Ger
many, to suspend all intercourse.
Congress was divided over the
presidents action. While many men,
bers approved his course and cfiti-
cised only his action in informing con-
gress after and not consulting with
1t before the drastic note was sent.
there were others outspokenly OPP
posed
Opposition to the presidents course
was due to his having placed
not on violation Of American
rights. but upon the rights Of hui
manity in general. and to the feel
ing that his course might be con-
strued as an effort 70 make inter
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