Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-04-24
Berlin Government Ready
to Make Concessions
to u. S.
MAY NOT MEET
... WILSON DEMANDS
Gerard Cables lntimations
That German Government Will Go
to Great Lengths to Preserve Friend
ly Relations With United States
Has Difficult Task in Satisfying
Washington and Radical Element.


dispatches from Ambassador Gerard at
Berlin indicate that Germany will
make certain concessions to the Unit
ed States in response to the note de-
manding the abandonment of present
methods of submarine warfare.
Whetherthe concessions will be suf-
ficiently broad to meet American de-
mands was uncertain.
It is understood Ambassador Gerard
has received broad intimations that
the German government will go to
great lengths to preserve friendly re-
lations with the United States. 1t is
understood he has gained his impress
sions from officials Of the German for
eign office. including Foreign Minister
van Jagow.
The Berlin government is confront
ed with finding way to satisfy the
United States without arousing the
element which insists on a relentless
submarine campaign.
Mr.. Gerards dispatches were highly
confidential
Seek U. s. Exact Demands.
Before making a formal reply to the
American communication Germany de-
sires to know precisely what the Unit
ed States desires. Then, so informed.
she will determine what attitude to
adopt
The presidents demands were
couched in general terms and require
the imperial government Immediate
ly to declare and effect an abandon
ment Of it's present submarine war
fare against passenger and freight
carrying vessels"
f Germany insists that she has
warned that she has given passen-
gers and crews opportunity to asscape
before destroying ships and that YES
sells have. been attacked only when
they have resisted or attempted to es-
cape. .
Ask End Of All U Boat War;"
Is 1t the purpose of the United
States to deprive Germany entirely of
the right to overhaul vessels and sink
them without reference to the rules of
International law which under speci-
fed conditions permit such action? If
this be not the purpose Of the United
States, then Is it not desirable. in order
that no further misunderstanding may
develop. for President Wilson to state
exactly what rules shall be observed ?
In the case Of the Sussex denounced
by the president "as one Of the most
terrible examples of the inhumanity of
submarine warfare only the facts
were transmitted What reparation
would be acceptable to the United
States?
PeriIous But Hopeful.
While 1t Is impossible to learn the
exact contents Of the kilograms which
Ambassador Gerard has sent 70 the
state department in regard to the
conference he has had with Former
Minister Won Jagow, sufficient Is
known to justify the statement that
a frank exchange Of views occurred.
The situation is described as per-
ilous, but not hopeless. Anything may
come out Of it-a break Of relations
war But the fact there is discussion
Is a sign the significance Of which can
not be .overestimated.
This discussion is to be conducted
not only in, Berlin but in Washington
as well. Count Won Bernstorff, the
German ambassador. has received a
number Of code messages. He will call
today upon Secretary Lansing.
Part of the conversation will relate to
the Won Igel case: the balance to the
submarine question.
1t was learned today that the pro-
posed border conference between Cen
eral Scott and General Obregon, Car
ranza's war minister. regarding coop
GRAFTON ins pursuit of the bandits, has
not been decidsd3son by General Car
rama. z
sE British Note Delivered.
. The British ambassador. Sir Cecil
Spring Rice today delivered to Secre-
tary Lansing his governments reply to
the American protest to interference
with neutral commerce. France in the
main agrees with her ally but will par
ticularize on technical points.