New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-05

Washington, Feb .4.-Herbert Hoov-
er, chairman of the Belgium Relief
Commission, and Brand Whitlock
American Minister in Belgium, will
stick to their posts, regardless of the
break in diplomatic relations between
the United States and Germany. The
work of feeding ten million Relgians
must continue, and Mr.. Hoover, who is
in Washington, said to-day that he had
. telegraphed all his men to go on with
their work as if nothing had happened.
The situation of the Belgians is pre-
carious, because, owing to the conflict
of the German war zone and the North
Sea mine fields, the relief commission S
shipping routes are closed and ship
ments have been suspended. Orders
have been sent to all the relief steam
ers now in American, Argentine, Indian
and European ports to remain until
further notice.
Tomorrow the question Of getting
these ships and their cargoes. on which
the lives of the Beigians depend, will
be taken up with Germany through the
Spanish and other neutral governments
interested in the relief of Belgium.
Every effort will be made to have a
route established through the war zone
which can be pursued by relief steam
ers with complete immunity from sub
marine attack.
Mines Menace Relief Ships
The German government has an
nounced that relief ships may take the
northern route, passing around the
war zone, but this is impracticable,
even if England should waive inspec-
ton at Kirkwall, because of the mine
fields sown north of the Dutch coast.
Dutch ships are permitted to ply be-
tween Flushing and the Thames, &C
cording to newspaper reports, however,
and Mr.. Hoover believes this may
afford an opening. if this route can be
linked up with the Falmouth-New York
route now open to American ships.
The position of the Dutch people
themselves. Mr. Hoover pointed out,
is practically identical with that OF
the Belgians. They also are in dan
ger of starvation.
Minister Whitlock's status, it is
thought, will remain the same as be-
fore the break with Germany. The
State Department has not recalled
him. but regards him as accredited
to the Belgian government, though
really in territory occupied by Ger
many. AS Germany, however, is inter
ested in keeping the Belgians fed by
neutrals, it is hoped no objection viii
be male to his remaining.
The Americans in charge of Bel
gian relief work have foreseen the
possibility of break with Germany,
and even of war. In the latter event,
they realize, they will have to leave.
Therefore, the support Of the Span
ish and Dutch governments already
has been obtained, and the work of
training Spaniards and Dutchmen to
carry on the work will be begun at
once.
Plans Long>Range Work
If it becomes necessary for the
Americans to leave, Mr.. Hoover will
establish permanent headquarters in
this country and continue his efforts
at long range. Just as England and
France have contributed the major
part of the relief money under Amer
lean control, so the United States. if
it becomes belligerent, must con-
tinue to do its part under the con-
troll of a neutral commission.
Mr.. Hoover stated to-day that
the steamer Euphrates, which was
sunk recently after discharging a
relief cargo at Rotterdam, carried
a pass from the German government
and bore the distinctive markings Of