New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-07
Wilson Is Told Neutrals
Must Keep OFF Armed
and Enemy Ships
President to Send
Vienna Another Note
Will Reject Warning
Wherever Possible" Prom
ised by Austria

Washington, March 6.-Austrias
statement of her position OH the sub.
marine war, it was declared official.
~ to-day, leaves the door open for
further negotiation. The official text
was received at the State Depart
ment, but not made public.
Although her refusal TO modify
her submarine decree, which is ex-
actly similar to Germany's, gives
ample technical cause for break in
relations, officials say that the Pres
ident will not take this step, but use
the occasion to lay before the world
his Interpretation of international
law and the law of humanity.
\ long correspondence, therefore. is
expected. Probably before the Cabi-
net meeting on Friday, Secretary
Lansing will have completed reply
to Vienna for consideration. 1t will
set forth fully Americas legal and
moral grounds for the attitude tow
ard submarine ruthlessness that led
to the break with Berlin.
The chief purpose of the President
ir refraining from breaking with
Austria is to keep open an avenue
OF free communication with the Cen
trail Empires. up TO the moment OF
war with Germany, at least. A sec.
ondary purpose, however, TO which
many officials have referred, is to
align even Germany's allies against
the inhuman U-boat plan.
No Overt Act Likely
The Austrian submarines are few.
and the likelihood of an overt act from
that quarter is negligible. The tone Of
the Austrian note to-day and the sp-
parent desire 20 avoid a break without
deserving Germany leads TO the hope
that Austria's Endorsement OF Ger
many's course is purly formal and will
not result in hostile action against
American ships.
The principles laid down in the Aus
trian note to Justify the submarine
ruthlessness. while they make a better
impression than Berlin's continual
harping on Great Brtains blockade
are regarded as unsound. The Aus
trian case appears 20 hang on the prin-
ciple that legal warning TO a merchant
ship may be given H. advance of sail
ing. and this is much the same argu-
ment that Germany used in defending
the sinking Of the Lusitania.
The acceptance Of such principle
would mean shat an effective blockade
could be established by mere declars-
tion, instead of by sufficient naval
Gordon. as international law requires.
Trying TO Placate Berlin
Germany l. credited here with try
ing to force Austria 10 a step which
that country does NOT wish 20 take.
Germany naturally wishes, it is point
ed out. to have the complete mora
support Of her allies and is using her
great inufence with Austria to that
end
Austria therefore is placed in the
delicate position of either sacrificing
the manifest benefits she receives from
the continuance Of diplomatic relations
with this country or Of appearing not
fully TO support her ally. As a result
IL is believed that she mas made her
reply 10 this country as strong an
Endorsement OF Germany's position as
possible without az the same time MAX
ing it impossible for the United States
to continue the negotiations.
This opinion is based not only on
dispatches from Ambassador Penheld
at Vienna, but on the whole length and
spirit Of the Austrian note.