The Washington herald., 1917-02-02
WILSON TAKES FIRST
step TOWARD BREAK
Sends Communication to Germany on
Submarine Warfare.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.

the neutrality squadron. The decks We're
cleared for whatever diplomatic develop
ments the ominous morrow may bring
! forth.
| In diplomatic circles it was accepted
| as Inevitable that the United States
should break with Germany. At the Ger
man Embassy. officials admitted that
they had little hope that the break could
be avoided. They evidenced Germany's
determination to pursue the course out
lined in her declaration of relentless sub
marine warfare regardless or diplomatic
Developments.
| The German position as to the United
States was made clear in an additionai
memorandum made public by the state
Department today, 1t accompanied the
German note and was a defense OF the
German abandonment OF the pledges
made at the time of the Sussex crisis. IL
calld attention to Germany's reservation
made at that time, of the right to resume
relentless warfare, IL the United States
failed to secure modification of the En-
tente sea warfare, and the British lille
gal" blockade. The memorandum was
statement of the reasons for the new
declaration and was clearly intended to
point out that Germany withdrew" and
did not violate her submarine pledge to
this country.
Statement Delayed.
The administration announcement by
Secretary Lansing last night, that a clear
statement Of the position of the United
States would be delayed over night, led
to the conclusion that some diplomatic
communication to Germany might pre-
cede the break in diplomatic nesotia-
tions. If the break was decided upon. Dip
lomatic circles believed that this course
Ohah nd hat "
in the nature of an ultimatum was con-
templated, or already despatched to Ber-
lin. 1t was pointed out that the admin
istration announcement Of it's decision
might also be withheld pending the actual
development of an American ship sunk
by the submarine fleet.
On this point all Washington was nerv-
Gus. 1t was recognized that the situation,
so full of explosive material. might be
set of without a moments warning by
the sinking OF a great transatlantic liner
loaded with American citizens. With the
reports of half dozen ships already
sunk in the submarine campaign in the
,twenty-four hours since 1t became effec-
tive, the administration saw clearly the
dangers of delay.
But one faint ray of hope that a break
might be averted was apparent in ad
ministration circles. 1t was the sugges-
ton that the President, by some bold
stroke, might force peace proposals to
the front again. No one had the temerity
to suggest what move might accomplish
this result. however. 1t was clear that
such a move would be welcomed by Ger
many, and 1t was even intimated at the
Germany Embassy that the only thing
which could halt the new submarine cam
paign would be the calling OF a peace
conference. 1t was admitted that there
was little likelihood of peace coming out
of the present crisis Immediately, how
ever.
Swiss Minister Confers.
In this connection, attention was called
to a half-hour conference between the
President and spr. Paul Ritter. the Swiss
Minister, at the White House yesterday
afternoon. Neither the White House nor
DR.. Ritter would discuss the conference,
which was arranged some time before the
German note was received. 1t was stated
in some circles that in the event OF a
break between this country and Germany.
Switzerland would be asked to take over
the diplomatic affairs OF the United States
in Germany. There was no official con-
frmation for this statement. however.
The strain of the situation on admins
tration officials was apparent. Secretary
Lansing, after devoting his entire day
to the submarine question went to his
home, worn, anxious and disheveled. He
cast aside all his regular diplomatic du-
ties, and despite the fact that it was
diplomatic reception day at the State
Department, he refused to meet a single
envoy. The British. japanese, Argentine
and Brazilian Ambassadors, and the
Danish. Greek and Swedish ministers
called at the State Department but they
were turned over to Counsellor Polk.
Secretary Lansing spent his time in his
own office. or at the White House, con-
ferring with the President and Col.
House. Later Counsellor Polk conferred
with House
The announcement that the issue of
passports had been suspended came with
out explanation. Department officials
declared that Secretary Lansing had or
dered the suspension, but would give no
reasons. They declined to venture an
opinion as to how long the suspension
order would last.
officials Stay Mt Posts.
The critical condition of affairs resulted
in orders that all State Department Of
ficials remain at their posts. Assistant
Secretary Phillips, who left yesterday
for a visit to his home near Boston was
recalled forthwith. and reached Wash
lnSIOn laSl nlSnl.
The German memorandum in defense
of the new submarine warfare order, as
made public at the State Department,
read:
After bluntly refusing Germany's
peace offer. the entente powers, stated iii
their note, addressed to the American
government, that they are determined to
continue the war in order to deprive Ger
many of German provinces in the west
and east to destroy Austria Hungary
and to tnnihilate Turkey. In waging war
with such aim, the entente allies are vio-
lating all rules of international law, as
they prevent the legitimate trade of neu-
trails with the central powers, and of
the neutrals among themselves Ger
many has, so far, not made unrestricted
use of the weapon which she possesses
in her submarines. Since the entente
powers, however, have made it impossi-
BILE to come to an understanding, based
upon equality of rights of all nations
as proposed by the central powers, and
have, instead, declared only such a peace
to be possible which shall be dictated by
the entente allies, and shall result in the
destruction and humiliation OF the CEN
trail powers, Germany is unable further
to forego the full use of her submarines
''The imperial government, therefore.
does not doubt that the government of