Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-03
U. S., by Severing Relations,
Takes Same Attitude To-
ward Germany as Italy.
C0NSULS NOT TO REMAIN
ON DUTY IN THE EMPIRE
Rights of Citizens of Each Country
in the Other Are Not Affected
by Development.

oiedklIlS OIL QlpiOHldllC Ield-
tons with Germany does not
mean war, but easily may lead to
war. 1t is an act of protest
characterized IN the usage of ma
tons as measure short of war"
The danger that war may fol-
low is accumulated by the diplo-
matte history of the world. Mod
ern times show only one instance
,of a diplomatic break between
two frst-class powers that has
not been followed by hostilities.
1T is the one between Germany
,Snd Italy, where both nations
Nave withdrawn their diplomats.
Italy is at war with Germany's
allies; still, there is no war be-
tween Germany and Italy.
Diplomats believe Germany is
reluctant to go to war with Italy
because it would mean sequestra-
ton of German property, capital
and interests, resulting in
enormous financial losses to the
German people. The same con-
: siderations might stay war be-
tween Germany and the United
States.
The rights of Germans in the
United States and of Americans
in Germany are practically unaf-
fected by the severance of diplo-
matte relations. No treaties are
terminated or suspended, but re-
main in full force and effect I'M
less either government later de-
c1des to denounce them, which,
under international practice, gen
orally calls for notice of one
year.
There Is no change in commercial re-
lations. already badly crippled by the
war individuals and corporations may
continue their usual affairs. provided
they do not deal in contraband, and
their obligations are a S binding as ever.
The courts still remain open to them
for redress. but they have no facility
for direct Intervention of their diplo-
matte officials. They may, however. be
represented by the diplomats of the
friendly power selected to care for the
interests of the respective govern
ments.
There should be no sequestration or
confiscation of private property either
in the United States or Germany. al
though it may be taken for use under
certain circumstances
The ninety-fiye or more German n,er
chant ships tied up in American ports
since the beginning of the war NAV
be used by the United States but the
German owners ultimately must be
compensated. The ships scattered in
the ports of continental United States.
Porto Rico and the Pacific island pos
sessions. including the PHILIPPINES. com
prise some of the best known ocean
tons
Only in case of war is there possibility
Of their being absolutely confiscated
and even then such action is doubtful,
Tor the United States, in the world court
ponent Of the inviolability of private
property.
Foreign Mails to Continue.
Mails will continue to move under
the Gevena convention and other exist
ing special conventions. There Should
be no restriction upon the free moye-
ment of travellers between the two
of the United States to issue no pass
ports to Americans wishing to visit the
war zone unless they have pressing
business there.
cerned. the status remains practically
unchanged by a break in diplomatic re-
lations- Upon the conduct of Ameri
cans in Germany and the conduct of
Germans and German sympathizers In
the United States depends the attituda
OF the respective governments regard
fng them.
There is. however, one relation he.
tween the United States and GERMANY
which ceases through diplomatic RIM
ture. 1t is the huma nitarian task Of
guarding the welfare of soldiers in the
prison camps of their enemies and the
care OIL herman civilians detained in
The entente countries. This vast task
which Is being performed by America
diplomatic representatives in England
In the French camps in Africa and in
the Russian camps extending to the lev
wastes of Siberia, will have to be con-
dded to other hands. Likewise. the wei
fare of British. French, Russian and
other allied prisoners in GERMANY Ans
tria and Turkey will pass to some other
neutral power.
The ministering hand of the United
States which has cared for these men
lost to their homes and friends which
d. has brought them food, clothing and
medicine. and helped to cheer a desc.
late existence, will be withdrawn
Some one else win have to take UP the
cause of humanity on land while the
United States, by severing diplomatic
relations with Germany. makes protes,
; against the violation of humanity or
eaR-
Precedent for the severance of dfplo.
matte relations is found in modern his.
tory only between lesser nations aut
between frst-class powers and lessee
ones. The United States suspended
diplomatic relations with Mexico and
only recently were they resumed. i
suspended diplomatic relations witt
Nicaragua when the dictator Zelaya
Groce.
When John Quincy Adams was Presi
dent the American charge d'affaires a
Rio demanded his passports and re
turned to the United States withou
instructions because he considered un
warranted the capture of American
ships by Brazilian war vessels, enforc
not disapprove. but Brazil contended tn
charges action was nnWa IRA ed h