Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-07
GERMAN REPLY
ON U-BOATS in
GERARD'S HAND
Foreign Office Makes Pre-
liminary Answer to
American Inquiries
U. S. READY FOR BREAK
BY CARL w. ACKERMAN
BERLIN. AnriI 7.

DEhLlIN, april &.
The Foreign Office today delivered
to Ambassador Gerard a preliminary
answer to the American inquiries con-
cerning the cases of the ships sunk or
attacked The nature of the answer
is not yet known.
Ambassador Gerard does not be-
lieve the German-American situation
is serious.
In spite of reports received here
through English sources, Germany,
the Ambassador believes, will meet
America with complete willingness to
settle any question regarding the
cases of the five ships now at issue.
Doctor Hecksher, of the Reichstag
Foreign Relations Committee, said to-
day that the whole tone of the Reichs-
tag, which was formerly anti-Ameri-
tan, has changed since the Chancel
lor's speech on Wednesday.
"Where Germany shows her good
will toward America as she does to-
day, an adjustment of any difficulties
is certain" said Doctor Hecksher.
Officials generally believe that il
the present storm is weathered all
dangers of diplomatic break with
the United States will have passed.
The demands of the United States
upon Germany, however, were at
tackled in the Reichstag today. Herr
Payer, a Progressive, declared that
all Germany wanted from America
was justice. Herr Streremam,
Liberal, said that the Interpretation
of neutrality as conceived by the
United States was much different
f,om. the Germdp viewpoint. He de-
clared that it was unjuEt In ask Ger
many to allow armed merchant ships
to sail through the war zone waters
unhindered.
WASHINGTON, April L.
The United States Is ready to break all
diplomatic relations with Germany. Only
action by the German Government. which
will meet the views Of the Administration
regarding the conduct of the submarine
warfare, can prevent this action. At to-
days Cabinet meeting. it is understood,
an agreement was reached that the time
for temporizing had passed.
As an evidence of the gravity with
which the situation is considered by Ad-
leaders 1t is understood that
a tentative plan OF. procedure has been
mapped out, 1t is as follows:
4 On receipt of the complete proof gath
cred by Americans i'm France and England
dealing with the Sussex and the general
destruction of unarmed neutral and bel.
ligerent vessels. the President will ask for
a joint session of Congress.
He will present to it his conclusions as
based on the evidence in his possession
that American rights have been invaded
and solemn pledges violated,
He will than ask that Congress author
ize him to take such steps as mey be re-
quired to maintain the integrity of the
United States In this connection the
will make it plain that. while he
believes that he has full authority to
break diplomatic relations with Germany
he desires that Congress show that II
stands squarely behind him.
1t was suggested, however that definite
action probably would not be taken until
next week because the State Department
leSlreS 10 nave every possible nit or evil
lence available before making it's complete
recommendations to the President, and a
good part of this evidence--the complete
text Of atiidavits of the Sussex survivors
now is en- route to this country on the
American liner st. Paul. which is due in
New York next Sunday or Monday.
It was learned from n member of the
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
.oday that the present attitude of the (
ADMINISTRATION following 81 series Of rnn-
'erences between the President. Colonel Il.
W. House. Secretary Lansing and Coun-
elor Polk is as follows:
THE answer of the United States TO
any request from Germany-the suggested |
request Is contained in advices from Ber- |