South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-09
Grave Breach of Neutrality
Seen - Dispatches Deal
With Submarine Con-
trOVerSy with Ar
gentina.
Press Service

49, IT, - ~ ~ -
Copies of three brief dispatches
made public by the state depart
ment today revealed another
case of sinister German dipIo-
macy, this time directed against
Argentine and involving the
Swedish foreign office in an ap-
parent grave breach of neutrality
and diplomatic propnety.
They were messages e Ber-
lin from Count Luxburg, the
German charge at BuenoS Aires,
forwarded by the Swedish lega-
ton there as its own cOmmunica-
tons. Besides advising that no
/ concessions be granted Argentina
in the submarine controversy
they suggested that the South
American Counuy'S ships DO
sunk, without leaving any
trace, and gave information as
TO the sailing and positions Of
certain vessels.
The departments announce
ment was sent 10 the Argentine
embassy and the Swedish lega-
ton here at the same time ii wa5
given to the public. There was
no explanation as 10 how the
messages came into the hands Of
the United States. nor discussion
as 10 what may he the result
Doubt Swedish Connection.
The action created a senSa-
ton, particularly among the neu-
trail diplomats Baron Akerhielm.
the Swedish charge. In the al
Sence Of advices from his govern
ment, would not comment fur
Their than 70 say IT. was improbable
that the Swedish minister an Buenos
Aires knew Of the contents Of the
dispatches. AXel Robert Norvalle OF
the special Swedish economic mis-
sion. declared he was certain that
Baron Lowen, the Swedish minis
ter 70 Argentine had no knowledge
Of the contents OF the dispatches
Moreover. 7 am sure" said Mr.
Norvalle that no Swede would
have been a party 90 such a heart
less proceeding. 7 know Baron Low
en- very we'll He is not in good
health and 30 is possible that he
was unaware of the sending OF any
messages. If the dispatches were I'm
German code as Z assume they we're.
even III ne knew they were sent ne
could not have known their con
tents and may have thought them
harmless business messages
AIr NoryaIle was of the opinion
that Baron Loweu would re recall
ed hy The Swedish Government and
said ne looked for an explanation
and disaFowal ~ amy intention
10 coU5mit au unneutraI act
Await Eject on Argentina
What effect The disclosure win
have on Areentina-= relations with
Germany could only boz guessed bv
state department officials and Am
hassa dor Naou- The ambassador al
ready has transmitted the messages
10 his government and until in
structions are received he WIN not
comment on the incident nor rpecu-
late regarding the action that HE
government may take That he vas
asrounded ~ the rereIatf ou= was
evident
r. was suggested .y some dinio-
mats thar Germany might have Dir
lie difficulty in arranging her -ela
tions with Argentina 80 ne to -auze
the South American country t0 main
tain her neutrality n was pointed
o1t that having entered into an
agreement with Argentina recently
not 20 sink any more Areentire
shlDs. and 20 pay for damage al
ready inflicted Germany was En-
position 20 explain that she had
not accepted the suggestion of Der
agent in Bueuoe Aires and that AFT
err all there could .e no diplomatic
conflict b. he were rem .re1
Expect Recall of Iuvbury
That Argentina a- least win de-
r1and the removal ar the offendlng
German was assumed bo-h ~ the
state department ANA sy diplomats
and e. was pointed ONT -ra- Ger
many probably would grasp rs such
an opportunity 90 close sn Incident
which left 90 grow. might easlIv
add one more nation to her list 81
enemies
Argentine evident desire Ir past
months not 60 enter The war or ever
20 break relations with Germany