Omaha daily bee., 1916-05-08
WILSON NETTLED
BY notes TONE;
SUBSTANCE 0. X.
President Displeased by Language
OF Note and Conditions Attached,
but Feels His Demands
Are Met.
UNOFFICIAL VERSION CORRECT
Washington Probably Will Not
Reply, but Wait to See New
Pledges Kept.
LANSING STUDIES THE TEXT

WASHINGTON, May THE prob
ability that diplomatic break with
Germany has been ayerted, al least
temporarily, was strengthened today
when the official text OF the German
note, laid before President Wilson
and Secretary Lansing was found to
be almost identical with the unof-
ficial version sent TO the United
States In press dispatches.
Officials had indicated that should
the official text bear out the unof-
fieial version they thought il Inn
probable diplomatic relations would
be severed, unless there should be
further attacks on merchants ships In
violation OF the new pledges given.
disappointment has been Indicated.
however over certain features OF the
German reply, and some high officials
believe that II at least cannot be ac-
cepted Internationally The president
and Secretary Lansing studied the text
carefully today, going very mnntely over
the phraseology and the shade OF mean
ing that might be attached 10 various
expressions.
Rests with President
Opinion whether the note required mn
answer seems divided Decision rests
with the president. and until he has
made up his mind 1t is unlikely that an
official expression OF opinion would be
Forthcoming. So far he has not indl-
Gated to any one his final judgment in
the matter.
II Is entirely possible that no reply will
be sent, for the present. at least. and
silence for a time. allowing Germany to
demonstrate on It's own behalf the good
faith OF its intention to carry out the
policy indicated in its new orders TO sub
marine commanders.
Although the president realizes that the
promises given are the cardinal elements
OF the note. he Is understood to be dis
pleased over the language used and the
conditions apparently attached.
should the note be accepted as salts
factory and a reply sent, It is expected
10 take the form Of a notification to
Germany that the United States has de-
cided not to sever diplomatic relations
ns long as the new submarine orders re-
main effective and are observed.
Several Cabinet Members Absent.
Several members OF tho cabinet were
not in Washington today. Secretary
Lansing left tonight TO spend the week
end at Annapolis. taking with him an
official copy Of the German note. He
expects to have fully digested It's state
ments by the time Of his return Monday.
The only indication regarding the per-
sonal attitude OF President Wilson was
obtained from persons close to affairs
of the White House. He was described
as feeling himself IN a position where he
could not question Germany's good faith
unless the declarations made by the
German government should not prove ef-
fective. Count Won Bernstorff. the Ger
man ambassador. returned TO Washing
AbH Aouh9 lOHl new lOTks lie SAID he
had no instructions from his govern
ment 10 discuss the situation with Sec
rotary Lansing and that he did not in
tend to go 10 the State department un-
less he should be so instructed by Ber-
lin or Secretary Lansing should invite
him 10 call Officials would not be sur
prised. however. n the ambassador should
be instructed TO call on Mr.. Lansing next
week after he and President Wilson
have had sufficient time 10 reach conclu.
sions.
Versions Nearly Identical.
The official text of tho German note
was made public today by the State Dc.
pariment Ambassador Gerard. In trans
mttting the document. said he had re.
esiyed copies In both German and Eng.
lish probably accounting for the off.
eial and unofficial versions belne 40
nearly ldenilcal a slight difference on
the test occurs IN that paragraph where
the unofficial version says that Germany
has decided 20 make further ronccs
sion adapting the methods ~ submarine
warfare % the Interests Of nsutrals In
The official text The words sln adnptine
appear IN place ~ the Wafa adapting
Ahoihef difference has ts do Nith au
omission. probably due in an sftar in
Fahls transmission