The patriot. [volume] (Indiana, Pa.) 1914-1955, 1917-02-03
Won BernstOrff Expects to
Get His Passport.
Recall of Gerard Indicated--Presi-
dent Acts Promptly in New
German U-BOat Crisis.

WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb diplomatic relations between
Germany have nearly reached the breaking
point state the two countries is imminent
Following with members of the Cabinet which
lasted practically of last night and continued throughout the
day. President gave hint of the attitude of this country
the of Germany that she would Withdraw
all the restrictions that have surrounded her submarine warfare
establish blockade that would tie the commerce OF the
world with belligerent countries
Secretary State Lansing today said he would have no
nouncements to make and would answer no questions
Behind of secrecy much has been DONE Orders
have forth to the and to the ships OF the Treasury De-
partment.
There is good reason 24hour umatum has
gone to Germany demanding modification her blockade plans
Count Bernsorf the German Ambassador has told his
personal friends that he expects his passports at any time
Rumors circulation here-not confined at this time
Ambassador Gerard has been recalled from Germany
WASHINGTON Feb l. Congressional leaders close to the
administration afternoon heard wedened that
President Wilson already has notified Germany that the mten
ons outlined yesterdays adhered there other
open this Government than to hand Count Bern
storff his passports and recall Ambassador Gerard
WASHINGTON, Feb l. = The State department has sus-
pended for the present issuance of passports
No explanation for this action at present forthcoming
None have issued today At the offices of the passport bu
reau this action had been ordered by Secr
tary Lansing.
asked how long the suspension was to last officials
said they could not suggested that the action had
been pending decision by the President to what a
ton the administration would take the latest German note
President Wilson conferred for 20 minutes this afternoon
with Dr. Paul Ritter the minister from Switzerland While the
conference was arranged days admitted that
the German submarine had been discussed Dr. Ritter
fused however, comment in any his visit
Rumors aoat that in the event of break with Ger
asked look after the United States
interests in Berlin but it impossible to the slightest
confirmation anywhere in ofirial quarters.
President Wilson already has taken action in the new crisis
precipitated by the German submarine ultimatum
The nature of this is a carefully guarded secret
suggested however, official quarters that inquiry has
been directed to Ambassador Gerard to whether the German
note implies BLOCKADE of entente territory the ruthless use
of her submarines against all shipping"
There however, possibility of confirmation of this as
all inquiries both the White House and the state department
were returned unanswered
Indicative gravity of the situation Secretary of State
himself in his office and refused to call
ers Secretary War Baker broke engagement that he had
to annual meeting of the National Chamber of Com
merce President Wilson closeed with oCone NJ
House in his study at the White House.
Secretary Lansing unexpectedly left his office at the state
department just before today and went directly to the
White House. Under he carried of papers He
refused to questions declining to whether
announcement would be made later.
Secretary Lansing waved aside all quesoners he entered
the White and shown directly to President Wilson's
office.
Mr. Lansing left the White House at m.
"I can say nothing now" he said
The secretary promised to the newspapermn at $3.50
o'clock.