New-York tribune., 1916-05-09
Germany Cannot Di-
vide Responsibility,
Says Wilson.
u. S. NOW RELIES
ON NEW PROMISE
400 Word Reply Makes
Stand Clear-Future
with Berlin.
From The Tribune Bureau ]

Washington, May S.--President
Wilson, in a formal note cabled 20
Ambassador Gerard to-day, accepted
Germany's assurances that subma-
rines would henceforth conform 10
international law, but notified tns
German government that he could
not permit the pledge TO be contin-
gent on the result Of negotiations
with Great Britain.
Responsibility in such r.atters is
single, not joint; absolute, not rela-
tive" the Presidents note declared.
The question Of break in rela-
tions now depends entirely on tho
conduct of Germany's submarines. IL
is declared there will be no r'ore
notes. but that actions alone will de<
eide the issue. The sinking OF an
other vessel without warning or be-
fore opportunity has been given the
non-combatants TO save their lives
will result automatically in a rupt-
ure.
No Conditions Accepted.
The note is the briefest of tho
whole controversy. In not more than
400 words the President states HI,
understanding of the German
pledge. He says he will rely on its
"scrupulous execution" and declares
that he cannot for moment enter
tain, much less discuss, the sugges-
ton that respect by German naval
authorities for the rights of citizens
of the United States on the high seas
should in any way or in the slightest
degree be made contingent upon the
conduct of any other government
The Presidents note is generally
applauded here as. a clean definition
of the issue, leaving no room for f'it-
ure misunderstanding as TO the atti-
tude of this government. The origI-
nal plan. to make no answer to the
German note received Friday, might
have been interpreted, it is felt, as
acouiescence in the German proposal.
Furthermore, the President has DIS
pelled definitely any suspicion ths'
might have followed a new note 70
Great Britain. The answer to the re-
.or, British note will be forwarded In
a few weeks. and Administration ON
ciaI. feared il might be interpreted 81
an attempt TO comply with the German
demands. To-dsy's note to Germany
has left the President 70 prosecute his
case against the Allies without arous'
ing the suspicion of playing TO the ber-
lin gallery.
Note Sharp In Tone
Tn. note is sharp in general tone,
though its emphasizes the PRESIDENTS
desire to preserve friendly relations
with Germany. The American govern
ment's patience during a year OF sub
marine outrages, NOW happily aoan-
doned." is alluded to as an evidences OF
this desire.
II is considered significant that the
President ignores the charges OF un-
neutrality made in the Kaiser's note.
Nothing but the immediate subject OF
the controversy is mentioned. The
President strained a point in answer
ing the German note at all. When the
ultimatum was sent three weeks ago
the President resolved 70 debate no
further with Germany. To-dsy's note
is declared 70 be not q reply but
warning.
Secretary lansing issued 8 statement
tonight saying that the greater part OF
Germany's answer TO the demand OF
the United States was devoted 10 mat
tors which the American government
could not discuss with the Berlin gov
eminent. but he considered Germany
had yielded 20 our representations
and that I'VE can have no reason -
quarrel with her" 90 long as the sl.
tered policy is lived up 10.
Mr. Lansing's Statement.
Mr.. Lansings statement, made pub
lie after the note was on its way 20
Beerlin, follows:
Tho greater part Of the Germsn an>