The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1917-02-13
REFUSE TO CONSIDER
GERMANY'S PROPOSkL,
U. ). WON'T TALK ON THE
SUBJECT FURTHER.
Unless Germany Lives Up to
Sussex Pledge, Breach Will
BE Final.

BE Final.
washington, Feb. 12.-The United
States has fatty rejected Germany
oner to discuss differences between
the two nations while the ruthless
submarine campaign is in progress.
In note today to the Swiss min
ister who on Saturday presented or
ally the German proposal, Secretary
Lansing said the United States "does
not feel that it can enter into any
discussion with the German govern
ment concerning the policy Of sub
marine warfare against neutrals
which 1T is now pursuing unless and
until the German government re-
news its assurances of the 4th of
May (the Sussex note) and acts upon
the assurances"
The state department maze public
the secretary's reply, together with
a memorandum which at Mr.. Ian
sings suggestion DIR. Ritter the
Swiss minister, had prepared last
night, setting down in writing the
suggestion originally transmitted or
ally. Previously officials had de-
clined to confirm the announcement
by the Associated Press Saturday af-
ternoon that such a proposal l.
been delivered by DR.. Ritter.
The state department gave out a
statement as follows:
An Oral Suggestion.
In view Of the appearance in the
newspapers Of February IL OF a re.
port that Germany was initiating ne,
gotiations with the United States in
regard to submarine warfare, the de-
partment Of state makes the follow,
ing statement:
] "A suggestion was made orally tc
the department of state late Satur-
day Afternoon by the minister OF
Switzerland that the German gov
ernment is willing to negotiate with
the United States provided that the
commercial blockade against Eng
land would not be interfered with.
"At the request OF the secretary OF
state, this suggestion was made in
writing and presented to him by the
Swiss minister Sunday night.
THE communication is as follows.
Memorandum:
The Swiss government has been
requested by the German government
to say that the latter is now as be,
fore, willing to negotiate, formally or
! informally, with the United States
provided that the commercial block
ade against England will not be
broken thereby.
(Signed) 'a'P. Ritter
"This memorandum was given i'm.
mediate consideration and the fol
lowing reply was dispatched today:
|" My Dear Mr.. Minister:
81 am requested by the president
to say to you, in acknowledging tn,
memorandum which you were kline
enough to send to me on the 11th
instant. that the government OF the
United States would gladly discuss
with the German government any
Questions 1t might propose for dis
cussion were IT to withdraw it's pro.
clamation OF the 31st OF January, ir
which, suddenly and without pre-
vious intimation OF any kind. 1t can.
celed the assurances which it haC
given this government on the fourth
OF May last, but that it does not fee
that it can enter into any discussion
with the German government con
cerning the policy OF submarine war
fare against neutrals which 1t is now
pursuing unless and until the Ger
man government renews its assur
ances of the fourth OF May and acts
upon the assurances
mo other interchange on this sub.
ject has taken place between this
government and any other govern.
ment or person"
! OFFICIALS GIVE