The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1917-04-12
HUNGARIAN MINISTER ASKS
PASSPORTS; y. S. SEXES
AUSTRIAN SHIPS IMPORTS

washington, d. G.. April 10-Austria-
Hungary. under the pressure of Ger
many, has severed diplomatic relations
with the United States.
]. BARN Erich Swiedinek. charge d.af-
faires of the Austro-Hungary embassy
here, called at the state department. to.
lay and asked for passports for himseI
and the embassy staff.
Break Came Sunday.
Almost at the same time a dispatch
a received from American Minister
Stoval at Berne saying the III Q
irchy had broken off diplomatic feia-
ions with the United States In Vienna
yesterday. 1t is presumed this was done
~ handing passports to American
Charge Grew. American Ambassaao
Penfieid, who had left Vienna on sat
Rrday, probably did not know or the
governments action.
BY Encouragement Spain VIII take
Sver the diplomatic and consular III
!erests of the United States in Austria
Hungary. All Austrian agents
will depart from the United States
with the diplomatic mission, as was the
ease with Germany.
Other Allies Viii Follow.
Up to the time Charge swiedinek
lsk ed for his passports no similar
Lction had been taken by Bulgaria n
Turkey. Germany's two other allies.
heir representatives here diScla1med
aaving any knowledge of the
IT their governments. 1t Is expected
here they will follow by breaking sdlplo-
matte relations.
Austria's break with the United
States undoubtedly is the prelude to q
declaration of a state of war. Slxty-tWo
lays elapsed between the break IN re-
ations between the United States ana
Germany and the fromal d~eclafRtlon q
L state of war.
1t is quite possible. however, that
here may not be warlike operations be-
.ween the forces of the two govern
ments unless Germany, carrying fur-
her her domination of the Vienna gov
eminent, should force it.
American ambassadors, minister AND
consular officials in France, Great
Britain, Russia, Serbia, Japan, Greece,
Morocco and Egypt will stand ready to
turn over Austrian interests which the
United States represented in those
countries since the beginning OF the
war, to whatever nation the Austrian
foreign office shall indicate.
Quit Care of 100000.
The United States, by the break in
relations, is released of h care OF
probably 2,000, 900 war prisoners. In
Russia alone, it is estimated that 1885,
900 Austrian prisoners were under
American protection with a consider
able number in France also.
In Austria the United States cared
for all the Italian and Rumanian pris-
sners. Other small groups are believed
to bring the total we'll up to 1000, 900
About 200 native Americans are thought
to be in Austria N Hungary with per-
a;es>aaether I 500 natnra1iZed Austria :
Americans, most of whom may prefer
TO stay in their country of birth. Off
Gals here expect no Nifficultie to DC
| placed before Americans in Austria
| and that all the American embassy of
ficials will be permitted ~toSleave with
out restraint or inconvenience.
There are about SO consular officers
| in addition to the regular Embassy staff
not including clerks, attaches ano
| families Safe conduct for all will be
! arranged at nee.
Greek Gable Cut.
Austria's severance of relations, how
ever, would cut off all communication
/ with Sofia and Constantinople as the
Greek cable to the latter city, the onl3
route except via Vienna, has just beer
eu Austria's action is attributed entirel,
to German influence. as officials have
received every indication that the dua
monarchy did not wish a break WEer
the United States severed relations
| with Germany. Austria then expressed
gratitude that the United States lib
orally interpreted her formal indorse-
ment of the German policy as largely
academic because of her not operating
near American shipping.
The safe arrival of Ambassador ant
| Mrs. Penfield at Zurich with three
members of the embassy staff, was re.
| ported today to the state department
| The last direct dispatch from Vienna
was received yesterday and said up t.
( that time Austria had not taken action
| Joseph G.. Grew, formerly secretary a
Berlin. is acting as charge in Vienna
aided by four United States attorneys.
Athens May Not Break.
Bulgaria and Turkey have moi as ye
! given any indication of their probabl,
attitude and officials expect consider,
| able doubt as to what it will be. Neithe,
formally has endorsed Germany's sub,
| marine stand nor has any submarine.
that would operate near America,
| shipping. Austria's severance of rela
!! tions, however, won cut off all com
m~unication with Sofia and Constan
tinople as the Greek cable to the latte
! city, the only route except via Vienna
has just been cut.
Austria's action is attributed entirel,
to German influence. The monarch,
did not wish a break when the Unite.
1 States severed relations with Germany
Austria then expressed gratitude tina
| the United States literally interprete,
her formal endorsement of the German
| policy as largely academic because o
hersnot operating near American ship
ping.
HTATE IN cIN TlVhTE