New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-23
BY CARL W. ACkERMAN


Madrid. Feb. 22.-The moment he
arrived in Madrid to-day former
Ambassador James w. Gerard went
to the American Embassy and read
the Washington dispatches to learn
whether Germany had guaranteed
his safe passage from Corunna to
New York.
While he was in Paris Mr.. Gerard
cabled to the State Department at
Washington to inquire through
Spain whether the embassy pass
ports were valid only for leaving
Germany or for crossing the At
lantic.
Although Mr.. Gerard has no fear
of the consequences if German
submarine stops the steamer In
fanta Isabel, on which he is to sail.
he desires that Germany go on rec.
ord that the passports Of diplomats
are valid even in submarine warfare,
so as to avoid dispute which might
arise in case the Infanta Isabel
should be submitted to search.
Warns Other Americans
Other Americans in the former
Ambassadors party have inquired
unofficially regarding their status.
A few of them have even asked Mr..
Gerard to request the American gov
ernment for a destroyer TO escort the
Infanta Isabel in case hostilities be
tween the United States and Ger
MANY should break out during the
VOYAGE. but he has made no official
recommendation TO this effect.
Because of the possible dangers
from German submarines, especially
if war is declared, Mr.. Gerard is
urging all other Americans in his
party not to embark on his ship,
which might be made special tar
oct for attack. For this reason a
number of Americans who accom-
nanied the former Ambassador TO
Switzerland have already sailed or
will sail earlier than his suite.
En- route from Paris Mr.. Gerard dis
cussed informally the German press re-
por.s regarding the employment OF
british citizens at the American En-
bsssy in Berlin. He stated that these
individuals were engaged with the con-
sert Of Wilheimstrasse. He mentioned
especially that the German authorities
nod approved an Englishman named
Hoile. who worked in the code room
Of the embassy.
MFR. Gerard declared that ne was con-
vinced the English employees we're hon
orable. For purposes Of contrast ne
ortioned the case of Oscar Plug, the
suspected German agent who was ar
rosted while entering France with the
embassadorisl party.
Mr.. Gerard reported to Washington
that Plug was undoubtedly being sent
by the German government to attempt
% rot employment in Secretary Lam
sings ofhce.
II i, the belief of some Americans
IN Perlir that the German agitation
concerning Mr.. Gerards employment OF
British subjects may be to justify an
examination Of the American Embassy
&c usckensen's troops did to Minister
yopicka's legation in Bucharest break
ing in and carrying away official Amer
lean documents.
Mr.. Gerard Is not in the least dis
turhed b. this possibility. because, be-
fore departing from Berlin, ne person
ally burned every telegram, letter or
other document sent or received there
since the war began
THE only document that Mr. Gerard
brought away with him was the joker
treaty which the German government
attempted TO get him to sign. This ne
carries with him wherever ne goes.
Among those accompanying Mr.. Ge'
rarJ in an official capacity is Com
nL1der Gherardi, former naval at
,ach9 at Berlin. who is returning to
Washington 70 report to the General
Roard Of the navy his observations con-
oerning submarines. From his conver-
sstions one may judge that it is his
oninion that Germany can make II ex-
trenely uncomfortable for the Entente
with her submarines for while; but
that il is very doubtful If the ruthless
uncersea campaign can end the war
successfully for Germany.