The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-05-03
GERMANY To FOLLOW
CIVILIZED WARFARE
Answer TO United States Expected to
Promise Compliance With
Demands
HEREAFTER OBSERVE
INTERNATIONAL LAW
Note Prepared Believed TO BE On Way
to United States-Wili Relieve lat
est Tension in Washington--King
of Spain May Act as Arbitrator.

Washington, May 1.-THE German
reply to the United States has been
prepared and may actually be on the
way to Washington, This was learned
today from an authoritative source
The reply proper is to be brief.
limitations OF its contents have
reached Washington. and the two
most prominent features are expected
-be4s-
/. An admission that Germany will
conduct her submarine warfare in ac-
cordance with the recognized rules
of International law.
2. An announcement that Germany
Is willing and ready TO discuss de-
tails with the United States.
In addition, 1t Is believed that the
German reply win contain a lengthy
account of British violations of in
ternational law, statement OF the preju-
dicial effects Of these upon German
interests and an invitation to this gov
eminent 10 use it's Offices In an effort
naval practices so they will conform
70 accepted rules of warfare.
President Wilson and the Cabinet
today discussed the German situation,
but only informally. 1t Is felt by the
Presidents advisers that no serious
discussion can be entered upon until
the note Is at hand and 1t is seen Just
how far Germany will go in meeting
the demands OF the Presidents note.
AS to Arbitration.
The suggestion in news dispatches
that the German government may ask
the King OF Spain to act as arbitrator
in settling the submarine dispute be-
tween the United States and Ger
many stirred discussion in official cir
eles The State Department refused
comment on the grounds that the sug-
gestion had not been officially pre-
scented, 1t was pointed cut, however,
that the United States had rejected
earlier suggestions of arbitration when
they were put forth in the negotia-
lions between Secretary Lansing and
Count von Bernstorf. The United
States agreed to arbitrate the Frye
case with Germany, but this related
10 the sinking of an American vessel.
and no question of human life was
involved
One factor that has tended to re-
lieve the tension over the submarine
issue is that there have been no cases
of Illegal torpedoing by the German
.U-hoats since the Presidents note
went to Germany.
Germany More Cautious.
Germany, IT Is believed in high
quarters here. has issued instructions
20 her submarine commanders since
the receipt OF the United States note
cautioning them to use the utmost
discretion IN attacking vessels, in or
der that there may be no recurrence
of incidents like those which this gov
eminent charges were in violation oil
| International law.
I The vagueness of many expressions
/ In the United States note was re-
garded as iustifytng an expectation by
/ Germany that this government would
! be favorahly disposed to a discussion
( of rules and their applicability after
/ the imperial authorities had formally
| promised TO observe the rules of In.
7 ternauonaf law. which Is all that the
American government can properl,
demand. After the receipt of tht
! German reply it would he left to dis.
cussion between Secretary of STATE
Lansing and Count Won Bernstorff, til.
/ German ambassador, acting under in.
structtons from his government. ana
I future acts OF German submarines. Il
/ determine if this governments de
mands had been complied with salts
faCtOrily
The German reply Is expected her,
not later than Thursday An outlin,
OF 1t probably viii be received from
Am bassador Gerard before the NOT,
Itself arrives.