Arizona republican., 1917-02-09

due TO any new development Of i'm
portance.
Additional cause for uneasiness was
given the government in the receipt
of information regarded as confirming
reports that Ambassador Gerard and
America nconsuls in Germany virtually
are being detained in Germany because
of uncertainty in Berlin over the plans
for Ambassador Won BernstOrff. and
as a result of reports that German
ships in American harbors had been
seized. Ii is not understood that there
has been any formal action in this con-
nection the German government merely
delaying arrangements for the depart
ura Of Americans.
Word was received from Great Brit
ain and France during the day that
safe conducts for German diplomats in
this country would be arranged. This
as well as the fact that German ships
here have not been seized was commu-
nicated to the Berlin government and
no further difficulty is anticipated
From several neutral nations came
information that while they would not
break diplomatic relations with Ger
many they had or would send protests
which would align them against the
new campaign of ruthlessness. Again
there were some suggestions of com
bination of neutral nations either to
prevent trouble between the United
states and Germany or to make clear
neutral reports, but no definite plans
were made however
In line with his general policy in the
crisis, the president authorized the
statement that even in case of war.
bank DEPOSITS and other property Of
foreigners in the United States would
be safeguarded and not seized
In taking stock of a whole new world
situation precipitated by the German
pronouncement of February l, official
Washington looks upon the German ac-
ton as having forced the severance of
relations and brought this country to
the verge of war, as having left 1,000,-
900 prisoners for whom this country
was caring in serious situation; and
as having brought down on Germany
the moral indignation of practically all
the rest Of the world.
Some officials also think that the
last three days have shown the posi-
bility that the German threat to isolate
England may be made good. With 81
900 tons today and Sc, 800 tons the two
previous days, the undersea boats are
reaping at a rate which both German
naval critics and the British Man
chester Guardian say would render
England helpless.
Immediate changes are looked for in
England. first as to methods of fight
ing the undersea boats and second as
TO safeguarding the country against
starvation. Whether better protection
will be had by heavier armament Of
merchant vessels, convoy, provision of
sea lanes, or a supreme attempt to
root out the German fleet are subjects
Of interested speculation
Diversion of all Scandinavian trade
from examination at Falmouth or other
English ports to Halifax already has
been suggested in Scandinavian circles
as possible method whereby Danish,
Norwegian and Swedish ships again
could take to the hight seas without
having to run through the German
zone.
The United States is willing to
second these efforts as far as possible
informally, as it is to American inter
est as well, that trade between tn
countries be kept open. Whether
England would consent to this di-
version is uncertain as 1t would be
harder 70 control shipping to Scan
dinavia through Halifax than through
British port.
The last word received by the
government f, om Ambassador Gerard
was dated Berlin February 5. at Z p.
m. He is now allowed to commune
cato here only indirectly through Co
Denhagen and without code. The
state department communicates with
him and with tho German government
fhtOfrrh The. Cnanish foreign office