The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-12-22
Americas Attitude Of Neutral
ity Will Remain as Hereto
fore Regardless of Note
MEANT TO SHOW u. S.
INTEREST In CONFLICT
Neutral Nations Diplomatic
Representatives Give Cor
dial Endorsement to Amer
can Action to Bring Peace

Washington. u. C., Dec. III
Washington has been a city OF
wild ruinor throug hout today.
Following the issuance of n state
mcnt by secretary OF state Lam
sing In which he made it plain
that the growing encroachment
ON the rights OF the United States
by all of the btiiigercnts was
bringing the United States closer
and closer to forced participation
In the war and that the FRESH
dents note was virtually In the
nature of sclf-defense. a report
was industriously circulated by
persons close to the entente EN-
bassies and very few CORES
pondents that the Lansing state
ment was in effect a yelled threat
to Germany. This report gained
in strength as il was spread to
such an extent that il caused real
annoyance both at the White
House and the State Department.
MIR. Lansing finally conferred with
the President and issued a state
ment in which ne made II en-
phaticaily plain that he had never
intended to be understood as in
dicating any change in policy or
neutrality by the United states.
What he had done, he said, WAS
to show the very direct and nee
essary interest the United States
had in the possible terms which
the bcllig ercnts may have in mind.
No Friction Exists.
Because of the issuance of the two
reports were set on foot
Of friction between the President and
his chief adviser These were de-
clared by everyone in a position to
know the facts TO be absolutely un-
called for.
Mr.. Lansing il was said, was not
only in complete accord with the
President in the drafting and tho
sending Of the note. but he personally
suggested certain changes in the origi-
nal draft. which materially strength
ened 1t.
The original statement, as issued by
Secretary Lansing. was as follows
Mr.. Iansing's Statement.
1t was not so much our material
interests that we considered when the
note was prepared and sent but the
fact that more and more our rights
have been infringed and involved by
the helligerents on both sides. Tho
situation had become intolcrable tn
such an extent that IL was becoming
increasingly critical | mean by that
that We are drawing nearer the verge
OF the war ourselves and we are,
therefore, entitled TO know exactly
what each belligerent seeks in order
that we can regulate our conduct In
the future.
NO warning nation had previously
been sounded by President Wilson in
preparing this note There was
neither consideration of the German
hn 81 ,iox<
Lloyd George in the formulation of
the communication. The only thing
that the German overtures did was TO
force the withholding OF the COM
munication for IA few days. although
the President did not definitely and
finally make mp his mind to send it
forward until last Monday.
"Of course. one difficulty that faced
the President was the fact that tho
note might be construed as move
ment for peace and on the side OF
the German overtures. To prevent
this he specifically disavowed this in
the communication itself.
Sending of this note will Indicate
that we realize the possibility of our
being forced into the war. Neither
the President nor myself regard this
note as a peace note. 1t simply is an
effort TO get the beihgerentS to define
the aims for which they are fight
ing"
Would Prove a Potent Factor.
The Secretary was asked whether
he believed that the sending of the
note will make for speedier ending
OF the war. He said:
1T is possible that it may not, but
1t will indicate that there is a possi-
bilty of our being forced into the
war, and IL this government were
forced into the war on one side or
the other it would prove potent fac
tor toward ending the war. This
possibility ought to serve as re-
straining and SOLDERING force, and
safeguard American interests
Explains Former Uttcrance.
Following his conference with
President Wilson the secretary then
issued the following additional state
ment:
II have learned from several
quarters that n wrong impression
was made by the statement I
made this morning and ! wish -
correct this impression My IN
tcntiOn was To suggest the very
direct and necessary interest
which this country, rs one Of tllr
neutral nations. has in the pOe-
sib:c terms which the bcatlxeg-
cnts may have in m1ud, and / dln
- a. 49, - ~xNs