The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-09-10
America Not Directly an In
jured Party in Plot.
Used England's Cables-Con-
sidered Cause for War.
SWEDEN BREAKS SILENCE
Quasi Denial Issued in London
Calls 1t "Unthinkable."
U. s. May Not Cut OFF Supplies
to Sweden Entirely.

Washington, Sept. 10.-The United
States government has no intention
now of breaking relations with Sweden
because of the "spurlos versenkt''
secret communications forwarded for
Germany by the Buenos Aires Swedish
minister.
While Sweden's explanation may
alter the American position. it was
made officially clear today that the
United States does not feel itself to be
the injul ed party, and hence 1t cannot
well break off with Sweden.
In letting it be known that no break
is considered, the state department.
added that to establish an injury to
the United States, it probably would
be necessary to show that Sweden had
been forwarding information involving
United States affairs.
Tip on Pershing's Expedition
1t stated that it was possible
Sweden had been the medium whereby
Germany learned of the sailing of the
first American troop transports, which
German U-boats later attacked.
The state department anticipates
some sort of explanation from Sweden,
but in the meantime the state depart
ment's utterances are guarded.
The American government, it Is
known, has no absolute proof that the
Stockholm foreign office was fully
cognizant of the affair. and it attaches
no blame to the Swedish people.
Sweden Needs House Cleaning.
1t was indicated, however, that this
government believes there ought to
be some sort of house cleaning in
Sweden, altho 1t has not officially sus-
gested such course.
Argentina and Great Britain are
held to be the great sufferers in the
Argentina's soil by two diplomats
her guests-Great Britain was injured
because a neutral violated her cables.
A state department official refused
to say whether the messages were sent
in Swedish or German code. The indf-
cations are Count Luxburg at Buenos
Aires forwarded them thru the Swed-
ish minister in German code.
United States Has Code.
This code is known to the state de-
partment, inasmuch as 1t required
Count Won Bernstorff to furnish copy
of it while he was still transmitting
messages from Washington.
The United States does not propose
now to retaliate against Sweden by
cutting off supplies completely. Nego-
tiations with the Swedish commanders
will continue.
Is Cause for War.
London, Sept. 10.-Sweden's action
sages thru her foreign office, is suffi-
cient cause for a declaration of war by
England, under international law, 1t
was stated heer today.
The acts of Der ministers are bind
ing upon the nation.
The United Press is informed. how
ever, that the disposition of England
is not to enforce British rights to this
degree.
Can't Believe It.
London, Sept. 10.-The Swedish le-
CATION broke silence today in issuance
.fofs ant nm no Trn0 ri
/ can revelation as to use OF Swedish
! diplomatic messages by the Germans.
as follows:
TT Is quite unthinkable that the
! Swedish government was officially
1 cognizant of the alleged communica-
tions. 1t is equally improbable that
! the foreign minister was personally
| aware of the matter"
! The Swedish minister tc England,
! Count Wrangel. returned to London
early today in order to visit the for
eign office and communicate with
Stockholm.