Middletown transcript., 1917-02-10
CREWS TAKEN OFF
.|NTERNED STEAMERS
Those at Philadelphia impris.
oned in Isolation Barracks.
YARDS CLOSELY GUARDED
War Is Not Necessary Sequence, But
Has Invariably Foiiowed-Status
Of lnterned Ships-Human-
ttarian Task Ceases.

Washington. - Breaking off diplo-
matte relations with Germany does not
mean war, but easily may lead to war.
1t is an act of protest characterized in
the usages Of nations as measure
short of war"
The danger that war may follow Is
acceutuated by the diplomatic history
Of the world. Modern times show no
instance of a diplomatic break between
two frst-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 sever
ance Of diplomatic relations. NO
treaties are terminated or suspended.
but remain In full force and effect. un-
less either government later decides
to denounce them, which under interna-
tional practice generally calls tor
notice of one year.
German consuls in the United States
and American consuls In Germany,
holding their places by virtue OF
treaties, continue to perform their
usual functions, but they no longer
work under supervision Of diplomatic
officers.
There is no change in commercial
relations, already badly crippled by
the war. Individuals and corporations
may 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
to them for redress, but they have no
facility for direct attention of their
diplomatic officials. They may. how
ever, be represented by the diplomats
Of the friendly power selected to care
for the interests Of the respective gov
! ernments.
| Status Of inte:ned Ships.
| There should be no sequestration or
coniscation Of private property, either
! in the United States or Germany, al
| though 1t may be taken for use under
certain circumstances.
The ninety-fye or more German
merchant ships tied up in American
ports since the beginning Of the war
may be used by the United States, but
the German owners ultimately must
be compensated. Tho ships, scattered
in the ports Of continental United
States, Porto Rico and the Pacific Is
land possessions, including the Philip
pines, comprise some of the best
known ocean liners and aggregate 62S,-
837 gross tons. Only in case of war
is there a possibility Of their being
absolutely confscated, and even then
such action is doubtful. for the United
States, In the world court of nations,
has been the leading exponent of the
inyiolability of private property.
Mails will continue to move under
the Geneva convention and other ex-
listing special conventions. There
should be no restriction upon the free
movement Of travellers between the two
countries ether than the fixed policy OF
the United States to issue no passports
to Americans wishing to visit the wal
zone unless they have pressing busi
ness there.
In fact, so far as individuals are
concerned, the status remains prac
tically unchanged by break III diplo
matte relations. Upon the conduct oi
Americans in Germany and the con
duct Of Germans and German sym
pathizers in the United States depends
the attitude of the respective govern
ments regarding them.
Humanitarian Task Ceases.
: There is, however, one relation be
| tween the United States and Germany
which ceases through diplomatic rup
ture. 1t Is the humanitarian task O
guarding the welfare Of soldiers in thu
prison camps OF their enemies and th'
care Of German civilians detained ii
the Entente countries. This vast task
which is being performed by American
diplomatic representatives in England
in the French camps in Africa and il
the Russian camps extending to tn
> icy waters Of Siberia. will have to b.
conf1ded to other hands. Likewis
l the welfare of British, French. Rus
sian and other allied prisoners in Gel
many, Austria and Turkey will pas
to some other neutral power.