New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-06

fgv The Associated Pres
Berlin. Feb. 5.-The possibility OF
PEACEFUL continuance of German
American relations after the de-
parture of the respective embassies
ut Washington and Berlin. in the
sense indicated by President Wilson
in his address to Congress, appears
to be very slight.
1t was stated positively in high
political circles that the German or
ders for The conduct Of a submarine
war could not and would not be mod
lied: that in Germany the deter
rination to enforce the prohibited
zone order was absolute and final,
and that the only security for ship
ping was in the avoidance Of the pro-
hibited zone.
Predicts New Victories
Comment by the press follows the
same tone. There is no suggestion Of
change in position. The editorial
writer's speak with regret and with
only a few traces of bitterness OF the
break in relations, but all take 1t for
Granted that war with the Jniteu
States will follow They express the
opinion that the submarines viii END
the conflict in Europe before the United
States can send over an army. One
paper confidently predicts new VIC
tories" over new enemies
Germany, it was declared by hIgh ON
cjals. restored the submarine measure
after the shameful" rejection by the
Entente Powers Of peace overtures ana
only after the fullest determination
and as the imperative weapon IN de-
fen,e of it's threatened interests; Ger
many cannot relinquish this weapon
the only one promising speedy end to
tho reluctant as Germany is TO
take this step.
The government had hoped that the
United States would see it in this light
and was and is actuated by no am
mostly TO the United States in its de-
termination. Germany, therefore, TINS
official said. was very keenly disap-
nointed and grieved By the terms OF
Mr. Wilson'S message, but the govern
ment could not alter or modify the
course upon (which it has determined,
Gerard Asks Passports
I'VE can only hope and trust that
American ships and American citizens
will avoid the danger zones LAID down
I'm the German memorandum added
the official.
Ambassador Gerard called upon DR..
Alfred Zimmerman, the German FOR
cign Minister, at 1 o'clock this after
noon TO ask for his passports. lie did
not receive his instructions from Wash
ington until this morning.
Mr.. Gerard has practically decided to
return 70 the United States from
Spanish port The plan to have Ameri-
can interests taken over by the Brazil
ian Minister has been abandoned and It
* not known who VIII represent Amer
lea in Berlin after Mr.. Gerard's depart
ure.
The morning newspapers treat the
breach IN relations between the United
States and Germany as matter OF
great gravity, but all the editorials are
pitched in a CAL. ana moderate tone.
The avoidance OF insulting language
and cutting epithets is especially no
tieeable.
Nos, Of the newspapers say that the
news created no surprise, some Of them
explaining that this step was expected
in view Of President Wilson's message
Of last April, and others that it was
anticipated in view Of the Presidents
continual siding with the Entente
since the war began"
All The newspapers strongly reject
;hc imputation that Germany has
broken her promise made in her note
of May 4, laying stress upon the fact
that Germany's promise was expressly
conditioned on President Wilson's sue
cess in bringing England TO an observ-