The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1917-02-15
WILL talk when
PLEDGE IS kept
US. Rejects German Proposals
During U-Boat War.
BERNs1ORfFs SAY GOOO-BY
Kaiser Must Keep sussex Pledge to
Protect Americans Before Future
Negotiations For Peace Between the
Two Countries Can Be Opened.


Washington, Feb. 13-The United
States has notified Germany that this
country cannot discuss the German
proposal to enter into any peace nego-
tiations while the proclamation OF un-
restricted warfare remains in effect
unless Germany restores the pledges
given in the Sussex case.
The state department made public
O memorandum presented by DIR. Paul
Ritter. the Swiss minister, acting for
Germany, proposing discussion with
the United States over the new sub
marine campaign.
Germany proposes to negotiate for
the safety Of American shipping pro-
vided the Commercial blockade Of
England is not interfered with.
This memorandum was given imme-
diate consideration and the following
reply was made:
my Dear Mr.. Minister: I am re-
quested by the president to say to
you in acknowledging the memoran-
DUN which you were kind enough to
send to me on the 18th instant, that
the government of the United States
would gladly discuss with the German
government any questions 1t might
propose for discussion were 1t to with
draw its proclamation Of the 31st Of
January. in which, suddenly without
previous intimation of any kind, IL
cancelled the assurances which 1t had
given this government on the fourth
of May, last; but that It does not feel
that It can enter into any discussion
with the German government govern
ment concerning the policy OF subma-
rine warfare against neutrals which
II h now pursuing unless and until
the German government renews Its
assurances Of the fourth Of May and
acts upon the assurance"
Count and Countess Won Bernstorff
said farewell to a host OF personal
friends made during their eight years
in Washington. All day there was a
stream of callers at the embassy and
late in the afternoon a number Of inti-
mate friends were entertained at tea.
The former ambassador, his wife and
the embassy staff will leave Washing
ton for New York late tonight to sail
for home Wednesday on the Danish
liner Frederick VIII.
All but last-minute packing has
been completed at the embassy and
trunks are piled high in many OF the
rooms. The file rooms, in which offi-
cial papers are kept, have been put In
order, and everything is in readiness
! for the Swiss minister, who has taken
over Germany's interests In this coun-
try, to assume charge.
Count Won Bernstorff completed one
special task he had set for himself.
In his library there is a large hard
wood cabinet, In which were filed
away personal letters, papers and
copies of oficial notes. an accumula'
tion Of eight years.
Visitors during the past day or 80
have found the former ambassador
sitting In front of the big fireplace
there with stacks of letters before him
glancing over them one by one and
destroying most of them, but placing
very few aside. II the expression
that crossed and recrossed his face
was any indication of his thoughts,
the task was not one which he
relished.
Today the former ambassadors last
day in Washington. was occupied by
more farev ellis and a part OF the aft
ernoon was spent in a motion pict' e
theater. Both Count Won Bernstorn
and his wife are especially fond OF
/ the movies" and even during the
busy days since he was handed his
passports he had found opportunity
to spend an hour or two watching
play on the screen.