The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1916-02-03
Neutrality Board So Decides;
England and Germany Agree
COUNTRIES DIFFER AS TO
TREATIES UNDER WHICH
SHE is GOVERNED
Germany Claims the Old Prussian-
American Treaty-England
Hague Treaty

NASHlNGTO\. Feb. 2.-lndications
that the British passenger liner Ap-
pam, brought into Hampton Roads BY
a German prize crew. viii be held BY
the United States to be a German
prize OF war and not an auxiliary
cruiser. Were given tonight in high of.
fetal quarters.
The neutrality board, which advises
the state department on such ques-
lions. announced today that the ship
was prize. but the announcement was
recalled later presumably because the
state department itself has not acted.
The real point TO be decided IS
whether the Appam shall remain in
possession OF the prize crew under the
terms OF the Prussian-American treaty
or shall be returned TO her British own
ers under The Hague Convention. In
dications were given that the state de
partment will hold that the prize be-
longs to Germany
Count Won Bernstorf. the German
ambassador. in a formal note to Secrp-
tary Lansing gave notice that the Ap-
pam came into Hampton Roads under
ihe treaty with guarantees for her can
tors
Sir Cecil SpringRice. the British
an bassador. asked that the ship be- re-
turned 10 her British owners as a
prize recovered under The Hague Con
vention
The Hague Convention under Article
Il provides for the internment Of the
crew and the surrender OF the ship. but
state department officials are doubtful
ihat II can be applied TO the case Of
the Appam. first because the Prussian-
american treaty is believed TO be bind
ing. and second. because Great Britain
signed but never ratified this particu-
Tar Hague convention
Under the status OF the shin is de-
cided she will remain in tho custody
of Norfolk customs authorities. and II
turned over 10 Germany may be kept
M port or sent 10 sea a. the German
chooses.
a Significant Fact.
II Was regarded as significant that
neither the British nor the German
authorities cuutended that the Appam
vas navel auxiliary. Thus the
United state ls relieved OF deciding a
question which officials feared would
"ecoin" one OF the most troublesome
compleNitie, OF The war A. both
governments concede she is "A prize.
nothing remains 10 be decided except
her disposition.
The state department TODAY re-
quested the customs authorities 10
iand all Passenger and non-coubaf
ants. Their case now goes 90 The i'm
migration authoritie- Foreign con.
-uls viii care for their own nationals
VINO are INDECENT Those who can AZ.
ford 90 do so are free 10 10 ON to
Europe Those who wish fp remain
In the United States must oomply
with the usual immigration rerrlla.
lions. Any Germans who elect 10 re.
urn 10 Germany and cannot find wav-
10 do 20 probably will have to- be cared
for by the government ar some imml
grafton station
Count won Borstorf- communica.
lion 10 Secretary Lansing was based
ON Information boo telegram from
Lieutenant BcrRc. commander Of tha
Npram. r. was stated also boz the tar
.Eram That the Apram had resisted
before being captured. ana that -ta
had aboard n military transport" of
enemy subject lt was believed rar.