New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-01
Lansing Confers with
Chairmen Stone and
Flood on Situation.
INQUIRY ON ATTACK
PRESENTED AT BERLIN
,rsver 10 Await U-Boat CON-
mander's Return, Says Over
seas Agency.

Frr-I me lTiN4rt bureau
Washington. March S1.-The case
.csinst Germany is suspended pending
The receipt Of Germany's facts on the
Sussex, Englishman and Manchester
Engineer sinkings officials of the
state Department declared to-day that
Information sufficient 10 determine the
governments action would probably
no. come for three or four days and
possibly longer
President Wilson and his Cabinet to-
3sy discussed the evidence thus far re-
eeived By The State Department in the
cases Of recent disasters to merchant
ships carrying American citizens. In
the absence Of conclusive proof of sub
marine attacks no action was taken.
Chairman Stone OF the Senate For
eiqn Relations Committee and Chair
man Flood Of the House Foreign AZ
fairs Committee also went over the
submarine situation fully with Secre-
AIRY Lansing to-day, at an early con-
ference.
Il was said that the two committee
men had not come by appointment, but
merely TO seek information on the SIT
uation.
Secretary Lansing said there was no
warrant for reports printed to-day that
the department was uneasy over Am
basssdor Gerard's failure TO answer in
ouiries about the vessels. In the past
German submarines have frequently
been out Of touch with Berlin for two
or three weeks, he declared.
Believe Germany Will Admit Attack.
Administration officials said to-day
hat no action would be taken until
Berlin was heard from, no matter how
strong the evidence may be in DIS
matches from England and France. The
belief is. however. that Germany VIII
nave 10 admit the attack on the Sussex
The circumstances point Enthusiastically,
4, Is said. 20 the work Of submarine.
The Administration continues TO
Guard closely the policy II Will pursue
when the case is complete. Il IS posi-
,ivelv declared. however. that the &C
ton will be far more stringent than
ever before, not even excepting the
Ancona case.
some officials believe The President
-reuared 70 break off relations with
oebete. The least he will do, II IS
aost unanimously agreed. is TO de-
nd disavoval, indemnity, severe pun
a,nent OF the commander and explicit
.surances for the future conduct Of
,,hrnArine warfare, including with
drawsl q the armed merchantmen
order.
Break Put Up 10 Berlin.
These demands would probably, Il Is
said. be sent in the form Of an ulti-
mAtura. threatening a break in rela-
tons as an alternative. ms would
pu, the question Of a break squsrely
up 10 Germany.
Should Germany comply, President
Wilson would be bound 10 break of
relations Il another ship was torpedoed
illegally. The President, it is said, will
never again accept assurances from
Germany that leave the smallest loop
hole in case OF violation.
Whichever course the President
chooses. he will notify Congress Of his
intended action. This was agreed 70
between the President and Senator
Stone a. the time Mr.. Wilson opened
Congress he will not. however, give
Congress an opportunity 10 reject his
plan
Chairman stone said that no compli-
cations IN the situation inspired his
call upon Secretary Lansing.
The fact that Chairman Flood OF the
House committee was also at the de-
partmert was a mere coincidence" said
he. explaining that he had gone TO the
department only 70 secure any add
lonal information on the situation.
Il found that the Secretary OF State
lad nothing more than ! already had
he said
Chairman Stone stated emphatically
here was nothing involving Congress
=, present. and that Secretary Lansing
referred no question 70 the Foreign Re
.s,!ons Committee, but arranged 10
Keep both cha!rmen in close touch with
developments.
American Ambassador Page, at Lon
don, esbled the department to-day that
% vas forwarding by mail additional
ahdavits Of Americans involved in the
sussex disaster.