Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-03-25
j. s. REJECTS PACT
GERMANY OFFERS
Declines to Modernize and Ex-
tend Ancient Prussian-Amer-
ican Treaties, as Asked.
THREAT HINTED IN DEMAND

Germany's request that the United
States government modernize and ex-
tend the ancient Prussian-American
treaties of 1899 and 1928, dealing with
the treatment of citizens of both coun-
tries in case of war between the two
countries. has been refused by the
United States.
Germany's proposal was made through
DR.. Paul Ritter, the Swiss minister here,
who is acting for Germany since the
severance of diplomatic relations be-
tween Germany and the United States.
and the proposal also was made to
former Ambassador Gerard before he
left Berlin. DR.. Ritter sent a proposed
new German protocol to the State DE
partment February 10, to which the
State Department has replied, in re-
fusal
Rejects German Interpretation.
The reply states that the United
States. considering the treaties in force
in their original form. is entirely un-
willing to accept Germany's interpreta-
ton Of them as provided in the protocol
which expanded the exemption from
seizure of merchants and their effects"
in case Of war between the two coun-
tries, into a general exemption includ-
Ing enemy ships in port at the outbreak
of the war, which must either be left
free or given safe conduct for their
home ports, even through a hostile
blockade.
Moreover. all enemy nationals would
would be free from internment and
able to go about their business, without
the slightest hindrance. during the
whole course of the war and not in
the restricted way mentioned in the
original treaties.
The question left unanswered by the
negotiations is the status Of the mil
lion and quarter German citizens in
this country. While the United States
emption sought in the German proto-
col, it nevertheless will follow the
spirit Of the old treaties and not inter-
fere with Germans here who comply
with the law.
Will Be Required to Register.
The government will undoubtedly, in
case OF war, cause Germans to register
and possibly restrict their travel, with
out special permit, to certain limits.
General internment Is not being con-
sidered as yet. as officials maintain
that Americas only object in the war
would be to curb the Gorman Royera-
ment and not to fnjure its Citizen.
here. II 10 assumed on all sides that
Ine &re4t Mobs OF Germans will respect
Inelr obIigations as guests in this coun-
try. but it is known also that some few
will mako trouble which will react
more to the disadvantage of the rest
than otherwise.
The War Department already has Sc
cured full details of all the various
principles and practices put into effect
IN other countries and is prepared to
carry out any plan that may be order
ed. So far the only one that has met
with any favor is the Canadian nIan
which leaves all Germans free as be-
1ore, subject to restrictions on travel
ana obligations to register, and interns
only those known to be enemies Of the
state: So far only about 5000 out of
$4,000 have SO been held.
Prussian Treaties Confusing.
The old Prussian treaties have been
the cause of much confusion through
out the whole war. Germany first
called attention to them voluntarily
rather surprising officials here, as tAe
result was to make her liable for the
destruction of the American sailing
ship William P. Frye. The United
States at that time admitted their ap-
plicability, later cited them in the lit
igation over the German prize ship
Appam. and last August proposed q
general reaffirmation of them, with an
explanatory Interpretation of some of
the antiquated provisions. To this Ger
many made no reply, but with the sew
erance OF relations she took urgent
steps to have them reaffirmed
AT the time Ambassador Gerard was
leaving Berlin. Count Montgelas, chief
of the American division of the foreign
office. intimated that il the treaties
were not signed, the American news
paper men might be held as hostages.
Mr.. Gerard replied that he no longer
was ambassador and could not discuss
it.