The sun., 1917-02-11

The Kaiser himself and Chancellor
Won Bethmann- Hollweg observed the
usual diplomatic civilities upon Mr..
Gerard's departure. The Kaiser sent
one OF his private equerries to escort
Mr.. Gerard to Switzerland and the
Chancellor sent his adjutant yesterday
to bid farewell to the American Am
bassador
Two Trains Provided.
Two special trains were placed by the
German Government at the disposal OF
Mr. Gerard. according to the Vossische
Zcitung one for his stan and family and
the other for Americans desiring to leave
Germany.
The Vossische Zeitung confirms the
report that telephone communication at
the American Embassy was cut off. but
explains that this was the result OF a
mistake on the part of a subordinate
official Communication. it adds, was
restored by order of the Foreign Min
istry. Mr.. Gerard protested at the In
terruption. which occurred ten minutes
after he asked for his passports.
The departure of Mr.. Gerard has in
the days since the rupture Of diplomatic
relations been wrapped in uncertainty
and complicated by the desire not only
~ assure the safe return of Count Won
Bernstorff and his party but also to Sc
cure from the American Government
concessions and pledges regarding the
treatment of German ships. German
business and German subjects in the
United States.
VIII Maintain silence.
Ambassador Gerard authorized the
Associated Press to-day TO say that he
has neither given. nor will under any
circumstances gives an interview of any
kind or description to any one before he
reports personally to President Wilson
The Ambassador made this statement
10 forestall irresponsible reports which
he said his experience led him to an
tic!pate.
Quite a few other Americans in Berlin
are in doubt when they will be able to
get away. Many have applied to the
police for formal permission to leave, but
few have received ii. The general rule
is that at least two weeks must elapse
for investigation before permission is
granted.
Mr.. Gerard's train will enter Switzer-
land by way of Singer instead of Basic
as originally planned. This is a shorter
route.
Baggage Goes with Them.
Americans VINO VIII travel with the
Ambassador were informed late yester-
day afternoon that their baggage must
be at the railway station for inspection
not later than IL o'clock this morning. so
as to avoid delay and confusion at the
frontier.
The train will consist largely of day
coaches, though, there will be a saloon
car for the Ambassador and possibly
sleeping car for the women.
Despite the fact that details of Mr..
Gerards departure had been indefinite
until late last evening, the Americans
in Berlin have shown little tendency to
worry and the delicacy of the situation
has not affected the serenity of the
German public. No more attention has
been paid to foreigners than is usual,
Americans have been treated with rigid
courtesy and no objection has been
raised to English being spoken publicly.
The newspapers continue to devote
themselves largely TO news dispatches
from America received by various routes
but there Is little editorial comment.
Apparently the press is waiting for some
definite action by the United States In
one direction or another and dispatches
which deal with the possibility or proba-
! bIlity of maintaining peace between the
{ two countries are given nrpmipence