South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-02-14
Washington Has Heard Moth
ing From Spanish Minister
Representing This Coun-
try Since Feb. IL.
THOUSAND REFUGEES ARE
NARROWED IN ASIA MINOR
Cabinet is United on Stand
That American Ships Have
Right to Arm For De-
Tense Purposes.
international News service:

International News service
WASHINGTON. Feb. a. The
rescue OF Americans detained in
Germany despite earlier promises OF
their release. and nearly thousand
refugees maroOned ia Asia Minor. Of
whose condition the state depart
ment is in absolute ignorance, was
the absorbing problem OF the ad-
ministration today. Every possible
means Of learning their status is be-
ing employed for il is not denied
that the situation is fraught with
most serious possibilities
So far there has been no response
to inquiries about the supposed re-
detention Of the between 90 and 90
American seamen held on the
British prize ship Yarrowdale. AZ
is not the disposition OF the govern
ment 10 press the question with any
undue haste, but il is evident thai
an unsatisfactory explanation could
be followed by nothing but per
emptory demand for their release.
One OF the complicating features OF
this situation Is the silence OF the
Spanish minister at Berlin. who has
taken over American affairs He has
not been heard from since Feb. J..
His communication then was only a
formal notification that he had
taken charge.
Efforts Are Renewed
The fate OF the refugees lu Asia
is causing equal concern. They were
"a be rescued by the collier Caesar
and the cruiser Des MOines. but az
the government is completely out
Of touch with the near east. their
conditions can only Doe conjectured.
the state department today renewed
its efforts 10 reach Ambassador
Elkus at Constantinople. but with
little hope Of early success.
Reports Of a division among the
members Of the cabinet TO the ques-
ton OF arming American vessels
were cleared up today 10 was stated
that the entire cabinet accepted a.
a common right that American ves-
sells are entitled TO arm for defense.
Legislation enacted at the time OF
the war between the states admit
tedly give that privilege. The ques-
ton causing division was whether
an American armed merchant man
could fire at a submarine without
committing an act of war The
majority OF the abiuet is under
stood 10 have taken the position that
the use OF guns would be an act or
defense" even though 10 should Re
followed by a declaration OF war by
Germany which would cOnstrue that
action as hostile
Are Watching sub Zone
Administration officials TODAY were
watching the war zone very closely.
American vessels are approaching 10.
Feb. l. was the last dav OF grace
allowed neutral shipping. according
10 the official announcements from
Berlin. II can be asserted upon the
highest authority that Prest Wilson
will 90 before congress and outline
his next step the moment that IN
American vessel IS sunk in defiance
OF international law
The state department again -
pressing Ambassador Pendeld ~
Vienna for information as % his
status There has been no word
from him since the break with Ger
many. No Information as vet is
available but that the situation s
considered serious IS indicated hy
the fact that inquiries Co him have
now been addressed through severed
neutral sources. Since the break
with Germany week ago Saturday
no message has heeu received
from our Vienna representative and
no word has come from Ambasssdo
Elkus at Constsntinople.
Berlin Regulates story
To developed TODAY thar complete
investigation OF al the circum
stances surrounding the purported
ofter OF Germany 30 reopen the SUBJ
marine situation with the United
States il in progress That certain
newspapers and diplomatic sources
were used in that connection now =
CONTINUED on PAGE FOUR