Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-02

donment of such submarine warfare | as the central powers are about to sre- Sume, declared that the United States l would sever diplomatic relations .taI- leaving no opportunity for half way measures. it means the withdrawal of Ambassador Gerard and the whole embassy staff from Brelin and the closing of the German embassy here. Formal Notification to Germany. Inasmuch as any action by the United States would be directed against Germany as a nation, and not against her ambassador as an ind-vid =. ual, it was thought unlikely that a, severance would be announced by the delivery of passports to Count yon BeFnstorff, but would be preceded by formal ton to Berlin of the American governments decision The delivery of passports to the ambassa : dor would be left as formality of the future. Germany's view. as expressed here, Is that neutra1s should not object to the German blockade inasmuch as they have been unable to raise the British 1 blockade, American ships venturing into the barred zones. it frankly was said, would be in danger of being sunk, but it was declared that Ger many and her allies would give up the campaign of ruthlessnesS should neutrals sacting together cause Great Britain to raise her blockade or should there be a peace conference. Austria and Turkey Expected to Make War Zones.
 Austria and Turkey are expected to make similar war gore declarations. The first notification that Austria has joined Germany was in news des- patches from Paris. No official an nOuncement had reached here tonight.
 The only announceent the German ambassa dor made today was to deny a published report that he had told q friend he expected to receive his pass ports within 4S hours.
 Bernstorff Expects Quick Action.
 There was no denying, however that the action of the United States to be swift and decisive. It became known that several times during the last week he had attempted to discourage Amer jeans from sailing for Europe. He had declined to write letters of in- troduction for friends and on other pretexts, without dise losing his knowledge of what was about to hap pen, has done his best to discourage them from going to Europe.
 Chairman Stone of the senate for eign relations committee who has been in St. Louis. telegraphed to the back and would arrive at 1 p. m. to- morrow. He probably will see the president during the afternoon.
 On a previous occasion the presi-
 
 that before breaking relations with any country he would inform them. Senator Hitchcock, ranking den1ocra- tic member, was at the White House during the day but was given no in formation.
 Usual Cabinet Meeting This Afternoon
 The usual cabinet meeting will be held tomorrow afternoon, when for the first time all the members may know definitely of the presidents attitude. Colonel E; M. House spent the. day here but left tonight for New York. In addition to a long talk with the president he saw Secretary Lansing, Counsellor Polk of the state depart ment. Secretary McAdoo and Post master-general Burleson.
 It was stated that the president had made no arrangements for going be- fore congress but it was considered possible that he might decide to adopt this step at any time
 Public opinion in this country is be- ing carefully considered not so much as a decisive force but as indicating The officials realize that a severe men tai wrench must be experienced to turn public thought from hopes of peace to the eventualities of Germany's action.
 No Division in Official Opinion.
 There apparently is no division in official opinion that Germany'S an- nouncement justifieS this country in severing diplomatic relations or taking belhgerent steps to safeguard Amer1- can rights. The complete repudiation of all Germany's pledges in the Sus- sex case Is viewed as an open threat made in full consideration and In ut- ter disregard of all that may follow.
 Previous cases merely have involved isolated instances for what apology or reparation could be offered. or new announcement which could be modified without admission of defeat
 The present is regarded as repre- senting a mature policy made Tn full