The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-03-04
Impossible to Arrive at Conclu-
sion On an Act Not Yet
Committed
Ill OFFICIALS AGREE
WITH THE PRESIDENT
General Opinion IL That Grave
Situation viii Be Raised II
German Submarine Should
Torpedo Neutral Vessel

Washington. March 3.---Reports given
de circulation among Congressman
day that the United States would
leak of diplomatic relations imme-
ately with Germans IL a merchant
IN with Americans aboard was sunk
Qpght a prompt denial from the
ate Department. when this report
~ referred to the department she
ply was.
There is no Justification for such
ports. II would be impossible to ar
re nj conclusion, ON an act, much
es to issue an ultimatum and decia-
ton OF war. when even the circum-
ances OF the act were not known
Statements made by President Will
D today 10 Congressional callers and
srepresented In Congress were held
stly responsible fer spread OF the
NV impression.
fhe President MAS reported as tell
members of Congress that he did
/ see how the United States could do
ythlnx but sever diplomatic rela-
bna with amy nation which killed
nericans in violation OF international
W
All OHfciais Agreed.
AL officials agreed with this state
mt. but they said II would nrst be
eensary 10 show that such killings
tualiy were in violation OF inter
tionai law"
~ rn
rtment seems to be that q grave sit
tfon. will be raised IL. before tbs
ktlemept Of the whole controversy. a
3rman submarine should torpedo any
(utral vessel without warning. OF
th warning. but with no provision
safety ~ passengers and eraE-----
rhe policy followed in dealing with
bmarine issues has not been changed.
= m In the next case L. was in
eatsd today. will follow the tines
similar cases in the past This was
FILMED az follows:
Polisy Outlined.
(If i ship were blown up on which
kre were Americans the state De-
rtment would address d note TO Gar
kns and 10 the nation TO which the
N belong ed asking for the speedy
L.Aission OF every essential fact In
1cial reports from both sides.
with the facts before II the United
ktes would act.
f.fmmediately the question of often
n and defensive armament. and OF
offensive use OF defensive arusa-
nj would be brought before the
kt<ed states for solution. President
hlson and Secretary Lansing would
81 certainly almost be forced 20 cus-
~ The posftiou OF the United States
IN reference 10 the assumed right
the British government to direct
krchantment to open fire on suoma-
es. ana the announced policy Of the
|rfsiAa government 10 regard armed
rchantmen as warships and torpedo
iii without warning. This assumef.
course. that German submarine COM
nders will live UP to the pledge not
sink unarmed vessels
May withdraw Amhaasador.
There Ii little question now. con-
Aring the temper of officials that II
bnarine attacks are made without
ItIllcatton the United States will
thdraw Its ambassador from the OF
adinK country.
Il Was stated officially that even
there were no Americans on board
tVrpedoed vessel. the United States
uld stili make Inquiries to ascer-
Il '.the bona fides of Germany" 49,
VAS phrased by the state Depart
III. The object OF an inquiry In the
t&r case would obviously be that the
itAd states should know II Ger
my was carrying out the American
directly concerned this ountry or