The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1917-04-11

sumed q definite character that In
view of this positive declaration this
government could not receive Count
Iarnowski without exciting still fur
Their public opinion already highly
aroused; that the delicate position in
which the Austro-Hungarian govern
ment found itself was fully appreciat-
ed but public opinion in the United
States would not approve the recep-
uon at this moment of an Austro- Hun
garian ambassador in view of the fact
that the Hungarian govern
ment has declared its adherence to
method of warfare prejudicing the
vital interests of the United States
and which had already caused the
aeath of more than 200 American citi-
zens; that all possible consideration
mad been shown Count Tarnowsk
since his arrival; and that officials of
the department had received him in
formally and frankly, discussed with
MIN on several occasions the question
OF his reception"
Asks Suggestions.
Ambassador Penfield was instruct
ed to say to the minister of foreign af-
fairs that his government lamented the
existing situation and hoped that
way might be found to eliminate the
dlfncult1es, but that we should be glad
to receive any suggestions which the
minister of foreign affairs might have
concerning the matter If the Austro-
Hungarian government considered the
situation impossible of continuance.
Ambassador Penf1eld's reply is
department that he has endeavored to-
make the minister of foreign affairs I'M
derstand the difficulties of the situa-
ton in Washington, which the minis
ter generally admitted. At the same
time the minister said that the Austro-
Hungarian government was confronted
by increasing difficulties. The minister.
Of foreign affairs expressed the hope
that his last note, transmitted by the
embassy to the department on March
2, might make it possible for this gov
eminent to receive Count Tarnowski.
FenTicId Cdlleo rome.
"On March % the department In
formed Ambassador Penfeld that 1t
desired to consult with him on various
matters in connection with the present
situation and he was instructed to re-
port to Washington, intrusting the af-
fairs in his absence to Mr.. Grew in the
capacity Of charge d'affaires ad In
term.
'Mr. Penfield was asked again to
express to the AustroHungarian min
lister of foreign affairs this govern
ments deep regret that the govern
ment of Austria-Hungary should have
felt itself obliged to join Germany In
her submarine policy, thus interrupt
ing relations which we had hoped
might remain friendly in form as we'll
as in fact, adding that we appreciated
that the. adherence was merely verbal
and not physical cooperation and to
say that the president in not receiv-
ing Count TarnOwSki was acting with
out feeling against Austria and mere
ly on principle.
Warning of Break Given.
"Mr. Penfield was also directed to
offer the facilities Of his embassy In
instructions from the
government to
Count TarnOwski, and that if it was
desired that Count Tarn0wski should |
return to Vienna this government |
would make all necessary arrange |
ments regarding safe conduct.
Ambassador Penfield replied to this |
instruction informing the department |
that the minister of foreign affairs |
had that morning advised him that if |
the United States declared war against |
Germany, Austria-Hungary would i'm
sever her relations with the |
United States.
"The Austrian charge d'affairs called !
at the department on Monday morn
ing, April g. at eleven O'clock, and |
stated that he had received instruc-
tons to the effect that his government
had severed relations with the United
States"