New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-29
Teuton RulerEXpeCted
TO Outline His Re-
ply to America.
U-BOAT CHIEF
WITH EMPEROR
Interest of Two Nations
Centres on Conference
at German Front.

Washington, April 2S.-Ambassa-
DOR Gerard at Berlin in advising the
State Department to-day that he ha !
been invited to confer with Elnaeror
William at Army Headquarters, said
he had not been informed of the pur-
pose of the conference. In fact, Sec
retary Lansing said when announc-
ing the receipt of Mr.. Gerard's dis
patch, no explanation of any kind
had accompanied the invitation.
The belief prevails here that the
Emperor desires to discuss the gen
eral submarine situation with Am
bassador Gerard and possibly ex-
plain in detail his views for the
benefit of President Wilson. Dip
lomats. especially those attached 20
Tcutonic embassies, seemed to re-
gard the conference between the
Emperor and the Ambassador as
holding a certain degree of hopeful
ness.
Optimism regarding the ultimate
outcome Of the situation was ap-
parent in German circles following
the receipt by the German Embassy
Of dispatches from Berlin, described
as indicating that Germany would
attempt to meet the American de-
mands.
Reply Delayed.
Because Of the visit of Mr.. Gerard
to the Emperor, officials seemed in
clined tonight to believe that it would
be impossible for Germany to make
reply to the American note before
early next week.
Any attempt by the German govern
ment to quibble or equivocate will be
regarded as final proof of bad faith
and will be met by an immediate break
in relations, Administration officials
indicated to-day. President Wilson
will not be satisfied with paper"
victory, but will insist on full COM
plance with his demand that illegal
submarine attacks cease.
This was stated to-day following the
report from German quarters that Ger
many would not regard the Presidents
demands as covering armed merchant
men.
The Administration believes that
Germany is fully aware of this gov
ernment's position, and that no ex-
planation of the Presidents last note
is necessary The German government
knows, it is said, that President Will
son makes no distinction between
armed and unarmed merchant vessels.
and reply covering unarmed vessels
only will be taken as plain indica-
tion that Germany is trifing.
Secretary Lansing's memorandum de-
ltllHk Nuc STATUS Va al HANN HANAN
men is understood TO have been
prompted by a dispatch from Ambassa-
dor Gerard stating that the German
government was in doubt as to our at
titude on the question. A summary OF
the memorandum was csbled 10 Mr..
Gerard, and it is presumed that he will
-
Awaiting Forecast from Gerard.
A report of the conference between
the Kaiser and Mr. Gerard is eagerly
awaited. II is expected that after talk
ing with Emperor William Mr. Gerard
will be able accurately to forecast the
German reply.
Brief consideration was given the
submarine issue at to-day's Cabinet
meeting-the first held in a week-but
Secretary Lansing was able 20 give only
the most meagre information on the
subject In view OF the activity OF
German government officials and their
apparent intention TO reach a decision
as quickly as possible the President Is
disposed not TO instruct Ambassador
Gerard 70 press for reply 10 the
American demand at once. The cues
tion will not be allowed 10 drag along
many more days. however, 1t was SAID
to-day.
The attack By a submarine on the
British merchantmen Industry. report
ed to-day, and the placing of the crew
in open boats 100 miles from shore. ere
ated an unfavorsble impression on OFF,
cials. although there were no Ameri.
cans on board and therefore the United
State. is not directly concerned. Ger