Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-04
BREAK |SAPPROVED
IN SOUTH AMERICA
A. B. C.. ChanceIIeries Get Busy
After Receiving News of
Rupture.
MAY FOLLOW LEAD OF U. S.

RIO JANEIRo. Brazil, February d
In an interview here today Augusta de
Souza . Silva, deputy from Rio ia
metro. predicted that the United States
would be drawn into the war and said
that it would be supported by Brazil.
The deputy praised the efforts of Presi-
dent Wilson for peace and continued:
'AIr. Wilson seems to have foreseen
that Germany would compel the United
States to abandon neutrality and take
sides with the allies in defense of the
interests and rights Of the American
people. He will not be able to avert
the entrance of the United States into
the conflict, but he stands already justi-
fed before American public opinion and
before the world, because he has done
everything to prevent development Of
the most terrible phase which the war
can reach.
although the capture or sinking of
belligerent merchantmen or of neutral
merchantmen carrying contraband,
outside the territorial waters is not
an Illegal act, nevertheless the effect
of such sinkings on public opinion and
the damage caused to the general eco
nomic situation are sufficient to COM
pei Erazil to modify her attitude of
the United States to safeguard national
rights and interests. Another and very
serious political problem is at stake
and Brazil, whether she wills 1t or not,
will be forced to declare herself, be-
cause of her position on the American
continent"
A. B. G. Powers Consulting.
SANTIAGO. Chile, February 3.-Re-
ferring to the latest German note. the
Diario illustrate says: with the de-
cision of the German government the
freedom of commerce between neutral
states and between belligerents and
neutrals almost completely disappears.
The security based upon the promises
of Germany to the United states given
since the sinking of the Lusltan1a also
is removed and in it's place enters alb
solute uncertainty as to Navigation;
The German note is memorable anu
sinister document.
The breaking off of relations between
the United States and Germany, al
though expected. has caused great
sensation among all classes. The att1-
tude of the United States is approved.
The president and ministers are absent
from the capital. but their return Will
be fastened
Between the chancelleries of Argen-
tina, Brazil and Chile there has been
an active exchange of communications.
Financial circles are much excited.
Attitude Not Known Officially.
Although there have been indications
that the break between the United
States and Germany may be followed
by severance of relations also be-
tween the Berlin government and Bra
iii, Argentina and perhaps other Latin
American republics. no evidence came
to light today to show that the Latin
American diplomats here were doing
more than gathering information to
transmit to their governments.
Mr.. Naon. the Argentine ambassador,
was the only member of the Latin
American corps who called at the State
Department during the day. He con-
ferred for half an hour with Counselor
Polk.
None of the diplomats could hazard a
guess as to the effect of the break on
the policy of the Latin American coun
tries and so far as could be learned
no definite information on the subject
had reached either the State Depart
ment or the diplomats.