New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-04
Kaiser May Still Keep
AGENTS Here, but Sum
mons Home Is Expected
spAIN WILL ACT
FOR u. S. IN BERLIN
humanitarian Work OF
Americans in Hostile
Countries Ceases

v,,bipeton. Feb. 3.-The severance
j., H,lomatic relations between the
rri,sd States and Germany to-day was
..-,lcte. Such thoroughness is not
,n.tomary in these cases. Ambassador
Gerard in Berlin, was instructed this
earning 20 close his embassy, as well
ali the American consulates in Ger
many.
An embassy attaches, consuls, con-
.,lar agents and their stats were
,,s.red 70 be brought out Of Germany
y vas in this way that Germany re-
,.ived the first intimation Of the
answer Of the United States TO the sub
marine declaration.
AZ the same time issuance Of pass
,orts 20 Germany WAS suspended by
the State Department. Not until Aus
tna-Hungsry formally concurs in the
German position, It was announced.
yould suspension Of passports TO that
COUNTRY follow.
The diplomatic interests Of the
United States in Berlin will be taken
aver by Spain, while the Swiss Lega-
ton will assume Germany's interests
in this country.
The belligerent interests which the
United States mas been representing
in Germany since the beginning Of the
war were turned over by the Amer
lean Embassy in Berlin 20 other neu-
trsls selected by the various govern
meats concerned. British interests
we're transferred 10 Holland, Japanese
and Serbian 20 Spain and Rumanian
70 Spain, temporarily. Il was an
nounced.
Stop Representing Germany
American ambassadors. ministers and
consular representatives in England,
France, Russia, Japan, Rumania, Serbia,
Greece. Egypt and Morocco were in
strueted by the State Department 70
suspend ali activities in relation TO the
German interests which they have
taken over. and TO await information as
to whom Germany wishes those in
arrests intrusted. The great humani-
nrian work the United States has been
ssing in caring for German prisoners
n those countries thus comes 70 an
end.
Germany is expected 70 withdraw all
her eonsVls from this country immedi-
ately The latters' exeluaturs viii not
be cancelled, a. that would be virtual
act OF war but no doubt is felt that
Germany viii remove her commercial
representative. e. once.
Breaking OF diplomatic relations
with Germany does not mean war, but
eesily may lead 70 war. II is an act OF
protest characterized in the usage of
nations as a measure short of war"
The danger that war may follow is
sccentuated by the diplomatic history
Of the world Modern times show no
Instance of diplomatic break between
two first class powers that has not been
followed by hostilities.
The rights Of Germans in the United
States and Of Americans in Germany
are practically unaffected by the sc,-
srsnce of diplomatic relations. 10
treaties are terminated or suspended
but remain in full force and effect un.
less either government later decides 70
denounce them, which under interna-
,ional practice generally calls for a
notice OF one year.
German consuls in the United States
and American consuls in Germany, il
they had not been recalled. would hold
their places by virtue OF treaties and
would continue 20 perform their usual
functions, but 10 longer under super
vision OF diplomatic officers.
Trade May Continue
There is no change in commercial
relations, already badly crippled By
tae war. Individuals and corporations
nay continue their usual affairs. pro-
Vided they do not deal in contraband,
and their obligations are as binding as
ever.
The courts still remain open 20 them
ior redress, but they have no facility
ior direct Intervention of their diplo-
matte officials. They may, however, be
,,epresented by the diplomats Of the
i,!nencly powers selected 20 care FOR
Iee interests of the respective govern
rentg.
nere would be no sequestratioa or
eohnscatlon Of private property either
"a fhe United States or Germany. al
nough II might be taken for use IN
~. certain circumstance
Ire ninety-fve or more German mer-
.hsnt ships tied up in American ports
shes The beginning of the war may be
used BIZ the Tfr1s,d C..t.g -. 81 r -