The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-13
NO PLUNCER War
e. s. viii Not Enter Discussion
During Blockade.
Central Powers Would Confer if
Decree Can Stand.

Washington, Feb. 13.-President
Wilson has formally notified Ger
many that the United States govern
ment can enter into no negotiations
tending to avert an armed clash be-
tween the two nations until the new
U-boat decree is withdrawn.
The presidents communication, sent
thru Swiss Minister Ritter, represent
ing the German government in the
United States, was made public at the
state department after it had been adj
United overturss had been received
from the German government.
rms government declared it would
gladly discuss anything with Germany
put only in event Germany with
draws her U-boat decree of January
q and renews her pledges Of May 4
last in the Sussex case.
The state department Monday
admitted that the German govern
ment "is willing to negotiate with the
United States, provided that the com
mercial blockade of England would
not be interferred with"
In reply this government said sit
government any question it might pro-
pose for discussion if it withdraws
its U-boat decree.
Would Hold Sea blockade.
In admitting that it had received a
suggestion from the German govern
partment gave out the following state
ment:
I'm view of the appearance in the
newspapers of February IL of a re-
port that Germany was entering nego-
tiations with the United States with
regard to submarine warfare the de-
partment of state makes the follow
ing state:
"A suggestion was made orally TO
the department of state late Saturday
of tnr hIyf he ,;Gfn Of
land that the German government is
willing to negotiate with the United
States, provided that the commercial
blockade against England would not
be interferred with. At the request Of
the secretary of state this suggestion
was made in writing and presented 10
him by the Swiss minister Sunday
night. The communication is as fol-
lows:
Extraordinarily Swiss government
before. willing to negotiate formally Or
vided that the commercial blockade
against England will not be broken there
(Signed) "'P Ritter
This memorandum was given imme-
date consideration and the following
reply was dispatched Sunday:
Must Abandon New Plan.
My dear Mr.. Minister: I am request
ed by the president to say to you in ac-
knowledging the memorandum which you
were kind enough to send me on the elev
enth inst, that the government of the
United States would gladly discuss with
the German government any question it
might propose for discussion, were it to
withdraw it's proclamation of the 31st of
January. in which, suddenly and without
previous intimation of any kind. it can
celled the assurance which it had given
this government on the fourth of May last,
but that it does not feel that it can enter
into any discussion with the German gov
eminent concerning the policy of subarine
warfare against neutrals which it is now
pursuing unless and until the German
government renews its assurances of the
fourth of May and acts upon the assur-
ance. / am My Dear Minister, Etc.
ITO his excellency, DR.. Paul Ritter,
Minister of Switzerland
mo other exchange on this subject has
taken place between this government and
any other government persons"