New-York tribune., 1916-12-29
Friend of Allies Advises
Opening Ports to
Armed Ships
FORCE WOULD FREE
NATION OF THREATS
Submarine Attacks on the
Coast Could Be Re
duCed TO Minimum

Washington, Dec. 2S.-"Thc United
States should prepare for renewal by
Germany Of submarine warfare on
more terrific scale than ever. MS
country should make ready by abolish
ing the limitations now placed on de
fensiyely armed merchantmen. and by
organizing q feet of light cruisers for
the purpose of attacking submarines
which ventured into American waters.
With these steps taken, the threat OF
a renewal OF the submarine attacks
would not loom as n terrible menace
20 the billion dollar export trade 70
the Allies
This statement was made to-day ny
man whose opinion is dghly esteemed
in Allied diplomatic circles and who -
frequently consulted by ambassadors
Of the Entente powers.
THE representatives Of the Allies.
he said. ARE finding II difficult TO con-
vince their governments that there vas
10 collusiOn between President Wilson
and Germany in his peace move. II IS
the natural assumption. But | find
that the Allied diplomats here do not
generally think that the President did
act in conjunction with Germany; at
least they have been convinced that
Washington planned its peace move
Independently. But transmitting TINS
conviction across the water IS another
question. and one which has so far not
succeeded 10 any noticeable extent.
Cause for Friendly Relations
"This is very regrettable, for moth
ing should be permitted 10 happen
which would strain the friendly rela-
tions between the United States and
the Allies. IL is true that this country
has fought wars with one of them
Great Britain-snd perhaps has no
particular reason 70 bear her good VIII,
but with France the relations have been
most cordial, and enlightened selt-ln-
terest I'm the United States would be IN
favor OF Il continuance of the friendly
feeling between the two peoples, espe-
cially If one looks back TO the negotla-
tions Of John Hay, for instance, when
he was Secretary OF state.
at seems not to be generally known
that. due 10 his representations, Great
Britain declined to enter the combina-
ton aimed at that time against Amer
ica's Monroe Doctrine, and that Great
Britain's refusal caused the failure Of
the plan. which obviously might have
titu tine must SCI lbAo NOi-eNNN
the United States
There is no doubt in my mind that
President Wilson sent his note be-
cause he is afraid that unless peace
comes the renewal OF the submarine
warfare would force the United States
into war The German menace IS the
more terrible because the prosperity
Of the United States is so amazingly
bound 10 in the export trade TO the
Allies. Never in the worlds history
has there been such a volume OF trade
between such limited areas. meet OF
submarines, stationed just outside tne
three-mile limit, could paralyze tha'
trade. ..,.
"This threat would be made of lttie
consequences If America would take on
tho absurd limitations with regard 70
tho arming of merchant ships against
submarines. With the merchant snlps
carrying guns wherever they wisned 70
mount them. they would bag so many
of the attacking submarines that tne
attacks would merely be annoying, IN
.tead Of fatal, when the entire Noluine
of trade was considered. Also, inc
limited States could organize fleet Oh
Iight cruisers, such as have been uspl
so snccessfully in British waters, for
tho avowed purpose OF hunting SUI
Marines This feet could be held III
n,N, r,'ar,,o ,,rC in case OF violations of Ger
manv's pledges to the united oCatso
regarding the character oi SuO''"' INV
warfare.