Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-02-09
KAISER IGNORES
PLEDGES MADETO
UNITED STATES
Washington Officials Believe
War With Germany Sure
to Come Within a
Few Days.
WATCH FOR OVERT ACT
Hope Abandoned that Cam
paign of Ruthlessness Will
Be Modified.
EXPECT AUSTRIAN BREAK
Bulletin.

Stockholm, Feb. s. (Nia London.)
The Swedish government rejects
President Wilson's suggestion that
other neutral countries join with the
United States in severing diplomatic
relations with Germany, and declares
its intention to follow the strictest
neutrality as long as it is possible.
Sweden's reply was delivered to the
American minister today.
Washington, Feb. S.--On the basis
OF reports received on the destruction
of the California and other ships so
far, it is stated authoritatively that
none of the cases constitutes the
overt act which will lead to war with
Germany. Officials openly express
the belief, however, that the overt act
is merely question of time.
While regarding the destruction of
the California as plain evidence that
Germany has fully abandoned its
pledges to the United States, it was
stated that the government will not
be hurried into war until there is un-
disputed evidence of violation of
American rights by destruction of
American ships or loss of American
lives in violation OF international law.
All hope, if any ever existed, that
Germany might modify its campaign
of ruthlessness has vanished and there
is no doubt here that it will be only
matter OF hours or days before an
American ship is sunk or American
lives are sacrificed.
The only effect, so far. of the de-
struction of the California has been
to quicken the preparations the gov
ernment is making for the expected
eventuality. y
Expect Break With Austria.
Austria has not as yet withdrawn
or modified its note adhering to the
German submarine campaign. it was
stated officially today at the State de-
partment.
The possibility that a break with
Austria also can be avoided has prac-
ticaliy been given up. Despite some
differences in -Austria's situation, its
strict adhesion to the principles enun-
ciated by Germany. both in note to
this government and in other COM
munications, makes its position prac-
tically the same.
Officials who have been hoping that
break might be avoided will give
no intimation as to why definite an
nouncement is not made.
This is taken to indicate, however,
that the small hope remaining is be-
ing carefully watched. Fl
Swiss Take Over AL Consulates.
The legation of Switzerland, upon
further instructions from its govern
ment, has taken over the business OF
honorary German consuls as well as
that of "consuls of career" 1t has
not yet been determined whether hon
orary consuls will be required to leave
the United States.
The business of the German con-
sular agent at Los Angeles has been
transferred to the Swiss consulate at
San Francisco. The honorary con-
sulate at Portland, Ore. has been tax
ell over by the Swiss representative
The German vice consul at Cebu, P. l.,
has been instructed to turn his affairs
over to the Swiss co1sul at Manila.
The German consul at Manila, who
is unable to return to Germany be-
cause of conditions at sea, probably
will be permitted to go to China
through Hongkong. The State depart
ment has requested safe conducts for
him from the British and French gov
ernments