Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-04-07
American Naval Attaches Re-
port That Fragments Found
Aboard Sussex Are of Ger
man Torpedo,
WASHINGTON WAITS
BERLIN'S EXPLANATION
f Reply Is Not Satisfactory,
Whole Question VIII Be Laid
Before Congress by Presi-
dent Wilson,

fsY MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL Issshp wiRuI
Washington. April G.--Reports of
American naval attaches saying metal
fragments found on the channel
steamer Sussex bore distinctive mark
ings showing them to be parts of a
German torpedo and dispatches tell
ing of scores of submarine attacks on
neutral and other unarmed merchant
ships within the last two weeks, were
studied at conferences today between
President Wilson, Colonel H. M.
House and members of the cabinet.
situation Most Grave.
The attaches reports are regarded
here as virtually conclusive proof that
the Sussex while carrying twenty-five
American citizens WAS attacked IN
violation of solemn and reiterated as
snrances given the United States by
Germany With this fact apparently
established II Is generally conceded
that the United states is confronted
by a situation more grave than any
which has arisen since the out
break Of the war.
Wait Gcrmany'S Answer
II was said authoritatively again,
however, tonight that no definite step
will be taken by the American gov
ornment until Germany has replied to
the informal inquiries submitted hy
Ambassador Gerard in the cases OF
the Sussex. Englishman, Manchester
Engineer and Eagle Point. II was de-
clared that word from Berlin was be-
ing awaited not SO much because in
formation as 90 what has happened 10
wanted. but to give Germany an op-
portunity to present her version ana
to say what will be done about II.
VIII Admit Attack.
In view Of the evidence collected It
Is confidently believed IN many quar-
ters that Germany will admit the al
tack on the Sussex and unofficial
dispatches from Berlin have intimat-
ed that such admission undoubtedly
will be accompanied by disayowal and
offer of reparatiOn.
Acceptance of such a response BY
the United States would depend upon
the measure of punishment meted out
to the submarine commander respon-
sible for the offense
Question OF Evidence.
In the event of n denial OF respon-
sibility by Germany the American
government would be confronted with
the necessity Of determining whether
IL should act on the basis of evidence
from other sources
rhe only legal weakness in the case
of the sussex. it Is said. is the fact
that the American naval attaches did
not actually see the metal fragments
taken from the Sussex and the fact
that no American citizens have sworn
To having seen the wake of torpedo |
before the Sussex was struck. Such |
affidavts have been received from |
citizens of other nations.
Creates profound Impression.
Aside from the Sussex case, partic-
ular attention Is being given by the
TO the number of neu-
tral vessels torpedoed recently. While |
there were American citizens ON but |
few of these ships. the Wholesale de- I
strnction of unarmed merchant craft I
has created a profound impression. t
press reports have been to the effect /
thai more than twenty neutral vessels
ana more than twenty-five belligerent I
vessels have been torpedoed within I
he last two weeks most of them /
without warning
No Reply 20 Gerard.
Ambassador Gerard so far has had
no reply from the German govern
ment 10 thc injuries he made regard |
ing inc attarks on the Sussex and /