Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-19
BREAK, FOLLOWED BY U-BOAT
OUTRAGE, WOULD CAUSE WAR

WASHINGTON, April 19.-The possi-
bllity of severance OF diplomatic re-
lations with Germany-the sending home
of her Ambassador and the recalling of
ours-brings delicate problems of inter-
national law to the foreground. That
such a course would inevitably mean war
is. of course, out OF the question. 1t might
increase the peril of it, but would not
of itself precipitate it. Its effect upon the
maintenance of our present neutrality and
how far 1t would react morally on other
neutral nations are questions as diff
cult to resolve as is the effect ii would
have on our chance to be worlds peace
maker when the time comes.
AS to the probability Of war there is
this:
A breaking off of diplomatic relations
has In all but one instance been ultimately
followed by war. III the United States
severed friendly relations with Germany
one more attack by submarine on ship
carrying Americans probably would be
the end
AS to the probability OF a continuance
OF friendship there is this:
Germany does not want American re-
sources thrown unreservedly into the
hands OF the Allies. They are mex
haustible.
Though Italy and Austria are at war,
Germany and Italy are content with
state of suspended diplomatic relations.
This prevents the seizure of German
property in Italy,
Even II there were war between the
United States and Germany, however,
there could be no seizures Of property
or capital The Prusso-American treaty
of 1928 prohibits Il. 1t allows the con-
fscation OF ships, but provides for their
return 10 their owners al the end Of the
war.
Peru and Chilli have long been without
diplomatic representation each with the
other. When the Emperor Macmillan was
executed in 1867. Austria severed diplo-
matte relations with Mexico and they
were not resumed for 80 years, The
United States was without such relations
with Mexico during the period of the
Huerta nag trouble. There are a dozen
other such precedents-
The position of the United States in
the event OF diplomatic break would
be trying for these reasons among
others:
We would be bound to preserve
technical neutrality, and might find il
dihicult not to lean too far toward the
Allies.
Making common cause with the Allies
would result in unpleasantness, short OF
war, but perhaps lasting Commercial
relations with Germany would be sus-
pended Treaties would become inop-
eratiYe and the value OF German invest
ments IN the United States would be im-
paired.
without war, then the weight carried
BY q severance OF diplomatic relations
would have an effect ehiehy moral both
on this and on other neutral nations
for instaHce. Holland and sweden. These.
and perhaps others. would strain their
diplomatic ears for the first sound indi-
eating something more serious, watching
always Tor q possible chance to pool with
the winning side.
decentralization IN this country
would no doubt decide L Was better for
their peace Or mind % be more circum-
speet IA speech and act.
The United states would Be n the po-
sltlon of having ia effect. outlaWcd the
Ereaf German salon. as lf ID the nar-.
1aIIan. HuazIa fnaz mi4ht Eaduoo ether
e1nIr4Ia. DFo4ztIJ Greece efa Hln4HI4
s. laas sIaes s ine eeaa|cI