The Sunday telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1914-1927, 1916-04-23
SAFETY OF AMERICANS
IN GERMANY FEARED

uniteu states government has made
tentative plans to cope with every
conceivable situation which would
result from the severance OF diplo-
matte relations with Germany. For
reasons they indicated were obvious,
officials tonight deemed It unwise to
discuss the details. -a+a
There is reason for believing, how
ever. that some OF the plans have to
do with the safety Of American citi-
zens In the German empire and that
others have to do with q supervision
or German interests in the countries
at war with Germany. 40, ~GE,.
Numerous Dispatches. tr,.i.
Numerous dispatches on these
subjects are understood to have been
sent to diplomatic representatives
abroad, particularly to Ambassador
Gerard at Berlin. The dispatches
are regarded as being highly con-
tidential and for that reason infor-
nation concerning them is unayail-
able. here.
Among DISPATCHES received from
Ambassador Gerard within the last
two days was one describing the man.
ner In which the American note de-
claring the purpose of the United
States to break relations unless Ger
many modify her submarine methods,
was received by German officials.
While this, too, was held as conf
dental. 1t Is understood the ambas-
sador represented Berlin officials as
being greatly surprised at the de-
mands OF the Washington govern
ment. Mr. Gerard Is said to have
gathered at least an impression that
the foreign Offices had no idea that
the communication would be as
drastic and final as it was.
PeSSimistic over Outcome.
The general feeling here tonight
apparently was not at all optimistic
regarding the outcome. In the alb
sence of further incarnation advlces
from Ambassador Gerard the days
press dispatches were read closely.
Indications in them that there might
be delay or request for additional in
formation were regarded by officials
as significant. 1t Is we'll understood.
however. that the United States will
under no consideration permit delay
and discussion unless It Is preceded
by declaration from Germany that
1t has modified its submarine war
fare as to bring 1t within the scope
Of international law.
Dispatches OF an important nature
hourly are expected from Ambassa-
dor Gerard. It Is expected that be-
fore Monday, or certainly soon there
after. the ambassador will be in q
position to forecast with some de-
gree of accuracy what will be the
view OF the German government.
Tense Expectancy.
In the meantime the situation IN
Washington means one Of tense ex-
pectancy. officials are confident that
before this time next week the issue
will have been settled: that the
United States will feel certain the
safety of innocent non-combatants
on tho high seas Is assured, or steps
for q diplomatic break will have been
taken. = ,a p,,t,t "a. aa
Among the foreign diplomats here
the effect OF a break between the
United States and Germany Is q topic
opinions seem to be that diplomatic
relations between the United States
and the allies Of Germany need not
necessarily be affected. In regard to
Austria, however, much Is considered
to depend upon, the answer made by
the Vienna government to the Amer
lean inquiry regarding the attack
upon the Russian bark Imperator,
carrying two American citizens. one
OF whom was injured by shrapnel
fire. Ambassador Penfeld was d.
rected to make the inquiry early
this week. No reply had been re-
ceived today and he. may. soon be IN
structed to renew the inquiry.
| To Go After Austria.
It is considered quite probable
that Austria will be called to account
should it develop that It's submarines
too have not been acting with prop
Ter regard for the rights Of non-com-
batants, the United States being de-
termined that illegal submarine war;
fare, wherever and by, whoever con-
Quoted must cease.
An appointment was arranged to-
day for Senator Stone, chairman of
the Senate foreign relations commit
tee. to see President Wilson Monday
night to discuss, some features Of
the foreign. situation, sbut. late today
sent word to the White House that