The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-03-26
HAS REJECTED
PROTOCOL
No Change in the Treaty Be-
tween America and
Germany
IS ANSWER FROM
WASHINGTON
United States Considers the
Agreements in Force in
the Original Form

Washington, d. c., March 26.--The
United States has formally refused Ger.
many's request to modernize and extend
the old Prussian-American treaties of
1909 and 1928. The state department
has replied through DIR. Paul Ritter, the
Swiss minister here, in charge of Ger
man interests, refusing to accept the pro.
tocol sent through him to this govern.
ment Feb. 10.
The reply states that the United
States, considering the treaties in force
IN their original form, is entirely unwil-
ing TO accept Germany's Interpretation
of them as provided in the protocol. which
expanded the exemption from seizure of
merchants and their effects" in case of
war between the two countries, into a
general exemption including enemy ships
in port at the outbreak of war, which
must either be left free or given safe
conduct for their home ports. even
through a hostile blockade
Moreover, all enemy nationals would
be free from internment and able to go
about their business without the slight
est hindrance during the whole course OF
the war and not in the restricted way
mentioned in the original treaties.
The question left unanswered by the
negotiations is the status of the million !
and quarter German citizens in this |
country. While the United States has
refused to agree to the blanket exemp-
ton sought in the German protocol it |
nevertheless win follow the spirit OF the
old treaties and not interfere with Ger |
mans here who comply with the law
The government undoubtedly viii in case
of war cause Germans to register and I
possibly restrict their travel, without
special permit, to certain limits.
General internment is not being con.
sidered as yet, as officials maintain that
Americas only object in the war would
be to curb the German government and
not to injure its citizens here 1t II as
sumed on all sides that the great mass
OF Germans will respect their obligation
as guests in this country, but it is known
that some few will make trouble which
will react more to the disadvantage of
the rest than otherwise
The war department already has Sc
cured full details of all the various
principles and practices put into effect
in other countries and il prepared to
carry out any plan that may be ordered
SO far the only one that has met with
any favor is the Canadian plan, which
leaves all Germans free as before, sub.
iect to restrictions on travel and obi
CATION to register and intern only those
known to be enemies OF the state. So
Jar only about 5000 out OF 10000 have
20 been held in Canada.
The old Prussian treaties have been
he cause OF much confusion throughout
he whole war. Germany first called at
ention TO them voluntarily, rather sur
,rising Washington officials, as the re-
ult was TO make her liable for the de.
truction OF the American sailing ship
William p. Frye. The United States at
hat time admitted their applicability,
alter cited them in the litigation over the
ierman prize ship Appam and last Au
ust proposed general rea ffirmation of
hem with an explanatory Interpretation
# some of the antiquated~ provisions.
% this Germany made no reply, but
With severance of relations she took ur
ent steps TO have them reaffirmed. At
he time ambassador Gerard was leaving
berlin. Count Montgelas. chief of the
american division of the foreign office,
animated that if the treaties were not
gned the American newspaper men
light be held as hostages. Mr.. Gerard
,plied that he no longer was embassa-
or and could not discuss il.
At short time later Germany made
mother attempt to have the treaty al
rmed through the Swiss minister here.
he protocol suggested. however, pre-.
,nted so many new features that Off
ais felt it to be virtually a new treaty
hich would have to be ratified by the
enate.