Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-05
Won BERNSTORFF
HEARS THE NEWS

Washington, Feb. 4-Having received
passports for himself, his family and his
suite, together with a note explaining
why President Wilson has severed diplo-
matte relations between the United States
and Germany Count Won Bernstorff Sat
urday night was waiting for his depart
ure to be arranged for by the Swiss min
lister.
The minister, DR.. Paul Ritter, has ca
bled Berne for formal authority to take
over Germany's affairs here, and when
it is received he will call on Secretary
Lansing and arrange details.
Count Tarnowshi the new ambassador
from Austria Hungary, who has not yet
presented his credentials to President
Wilson, denied himself TO callers Satur-
day and Saturday night, and official con-
firmation of reports that his government
had taken action similar to that of Ger
many was not obtainable at the embas
sy. 1t is taken for granted that when
such action is taken relations will be
broken with the Vienna government.
1t is still uncertain what action will be
taken by Turkey.
The German ambassadors last official
day in his embassy was eventful. His
friends noticed that while he retained all
his customary courtesy and tried his
best to appear pleasant actually ne was
deeply affected and gravely apprehensive
at the prospect of the future.
The ambassador arose Saturday
morning with the feeling that before
the day was over his diplomatic con-
nection with the United States would
end. Later he received a correspond
ent of The Associated Press in his
study. The ambassador was busy sign
ing checks for personal bills. He
swung around in the deep rcd leather
chair at his desk.
well" he said, smiling and offering
his hand. what do YOU hear this
morning? Am | going to be turned out?
No information? We'll. | have none,
either"
As the talk drifted to prospects of
peace and the ambassador expressed
the personal opinion that il was not
improbable, even if relations were
broken off that the United States
might continue efforts in that direc-
ton, a telephone bell tinglcd. The
ambassador picked up the receiver.
You say relations have been broken
and that the President is going to
Congress-? Are you sure? Well may
be that's 50. No, | have no comment
to make. If that is true, l am a private
citizen again.
The ambassador turned TO the cor
respondent and asked that verification
Of the report he had heard be obtained.
\, and thc &C Il m
quickly walked into the next room to
carry the news to Countess Won BcrnS-
torff.
so it really is true. I'm so sorry.
However. as YOU know, ] expected it. |
never expected anything else. There
was nothing left for the United States
TO do. | wonder how / am going to get
home?
II suppose ] shall get my passport
anytime now. But I certainly am not
surprised at the action that has been
taken. My people in Berlin will not be
surprised either, They knew what was
coming when they declared unrestrict-
ed submarine warfare. However, /
have simply been here to carry out the
orders of my government and / have
done so. l haven't had any commune
cation from my government Tor the
last day or so. and now 7 suppose |
Shall he unable to communicate with
them at all
1t was nearly . o'clock when Assist
ant Solicitor Woollesey of the state
department arrived at the embassy
with the ambassadors passports and
the note from Secretary Lansing Mr..
Woolesey delivered the documents and
left Immediately. 4 group of newspa-
per correspondents then went in.
The ambassador. as is the custom. |
sat down under the portrait Of his |
emperor and opened the conversation
by saying:
am very glad to see all YOU gen. |
tlemen, but what interest can YOU have |
in me now: ! am private citizen |
again" !
Have you received your passnorts |
Mr.. Ambassador" was asked.
Yes" he relied. II have Them for
myself. my family and my suite !"
'When am | going homeo ! don't
know. You'll have to ask the Suis, .
minister that. Procedure? T don't /
know that either. l am just WAITING 70 /
see what is going to happen"