Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-02-14
indications Are That Relations
Between United States and
Austria Are to Be Severed
Quickly.
INQUIRY is SENT
TO C0NSTANTINOPLE
No Word Is Received From
American Ambassador to
SuItan's Capital; Supplies
for Syria Are Held Up.
rsv MORNING JOURNAL SPECIAL LEASED v,,p

| fsv NoSsIso JOURNAL SPECIAL LEASED wiHsi
! Washington, Feb. 13.-An inquiry
regarding the redetention by Germany
of the 72 American seaman brought in
| by the prize ship Yarrowdale was
dispatched today by the United States.
preliminary to more vigorous action
| If the men are not promptly released.
The plight of these sailors occupied
much of the time at today's cabinet
meeting, given over to the crisis grow
| ing out of Germany's submarine war;
fare. 1t was agreed that their liberty
again should be demanded in most em-
phatic fashion. Pending complete re-
ports as to the treatment of German
| crews on war-bound ships in the Phil
ippines, Hawaii and elsewhere, how
ever, the government will content it
self with the inquiry as to why the
Americans are held and under what
conditions.
Question of Arming Ships.
The cabinet discussed every phase
of the information situation. The
question of providing navy guns for
American ship owners desiring to arm
their vessels for defense was consid-
cred, but 1t was stated officially after
Z
is understood that there was division
of opinion with most of the cabinet
officers strongly favorlng furnishing
guns, both on the grounds that per-
mitting ships to remain idle in port
suggests acquiescence in Germany's
course, and because the congestion OF
ocean bound freight in the country's
ports iatnaSsfrsing seri6as propcftsoff5.
Two or three members are said to have
contended that the policy would be
unwise. The president will decide the
question.
Tension still Severe.
News that an official statement had
been issued at Berlin announcing that
yesterday was the last day of grace
allowed neutral shipping before the
unrestricted submarine warfare went
into fun effect, did not appreciably
increase tension here. There has been
full realization ever since the sinking
of the Anchor liner California that
the German campaign is being car
ried on in defiance of the United
states and that providence only !s 20
be thanked that an overt act against
American life which would precipitate
war has not been committed.
There were strong indications DUR
ing the day that severance of rela-
tions with Germany would be extend
ed to the other central powers. Aus
trials adherence to Germany's posi-
ton is regarded as practically certain
to force a break with that country.
Ambassador Elkus at Constantinople
was instructed today to ascertain
whether submarines operating under
the Turkish flag were under the same
instructions as those of Germany and
Austria,
Difficulties With Turkey.
Serious difficulties with Turkey all
ready exist over interference with
Armenian and Syrian relief and the
detention of more than 1000 Ameri-
can refugees.
1t develops that no message has
been received at the state department
since the break with Germany from
either Ambassador Elkus, in Constan-
tinople, or from Consul General MUIR
ply, in Sofia who cared for Ameri-
can interests throughout Bulgaria. All
cables to and from both points must
90 through Vienna, but officials have
no indication as to whether they are
held up there or by the local Bull
garian and Turkish authorities.
Meanwhile, the naval collier Cae-
sar, loaded with food and clothing
contributed by Americans for the suf-
ferers in Syria and the cruiser Des
Moines. loaded with medical supplies.
are lying at anchor in Alexandria har-
Dor, unable to continue their voyage
to Beirut because of the uncertainty
as to what greeting they would meet.
They are long overdue at Beirut.
where they were not only to unload
their supplies for the destitute Syri-
ans but also to take on board the
detained Americans.
Cannot Depend on Germany.
Heretofore, appeals to Germany
have been efficacious in instances
where it was desired to bring pres
sure on Turkey, but It's employment
row would be embarrassing, IL not
out of the question.
1t was explained after the cabinet
that full reports on the treat
ment of German sailors on war-bound
ships was awaited so as to make GER
tain that no subordinate official had
exceeded his authority in dealing with
the ships or their crews. The gov
ernment's instructions have been that
legal technicalities should be waived
in order to avoid any appearance of
depriving the Germans of any of their
nights. This has been done at all
ports of the continental United States.
and where officials In the Philippines
and elsewhere have undertaken to
guard against the ships becoming
menaces to navigation orders have
been issued to confine such efforts
strictly to surveillance with action
only when essential.