The Hawaiian gazette., 1918-04-23
GERMANY ST0PSUSE
OF SPANISH SHIPS
CompeIs Vessels Carrying Goods
To PerShing In France To III
Return To Port

WaSHlNHTON, April S-Germany
has forced Spanish ships that had
cleared Spanish ports loaded with sup
plies for General Pershihg's army in
France to return to port. This was
learned this afternoon from an author.
itative source. The Spanish ambassa-
dor, Senior Riano, called at the state
department today and conferred with
Counsellor Frank l.. Polk. II IL IN.
derstood the Spanish shipping agree.
ment was discussed. Neither the am.
bassador nor the state department off.
eials would comment on what took
place at the conference, however.
WASHINGTON, April 6-Germany
has served what amounts to an nlti.
matum upon Spain, demanding repu.
diation Of the trade agreement reached
between that nation and the United
States. 1t has been made plain to the
Madrid government, the Berlin des-
patches received here today say, that
II the trade agreement is enforced,
German submarines will inaugurate q
general campaign Of sinkings against
Spanish ships bringing supplies from
this country. As result, O really
serious condition has developed, which
may have far-reaching consequences
TO this country.
May Prove Serious
4 Great quantities Of supplies that are
badly needed by General Pershing's
men are still held in Spain. Should
the Spanish government finally decide
they cannot live up to the trade agree.
ment, the lack Of these supplies may
prove serious.
That these goods have not gone fora
ward is declared to be due to the
American war trade board. 1t has
failed to take advantage of the agree
ment and send forward the supplies
that were promised to Spain in re-
turn for the release Of the Pershing
goods. It Is understood that this de-
lay has been due to the necessity OF
completing certain Investigations, but
nevertheless, the reports received here
from Madrid indicate that the Span
ish government is intensely displeased
because Of it. And the action OF King
Alfonso 5 cabinet may be influenced
by this unless a satisfactory explana-
ton is forthcoming through diplomatic
sources.
While Spain has given more or less
aid to Germany and that country In 0
veritable nest of German spies operat-
ing against the Entente; officials had
built great hopes on the new trade
agreement to change this situation.
The Madrid government is understood
to have frankly promised that it would
enforce the strictest neutrality and
would stamp out the U boat bases that
are known to be along the Spanish
coast. These bases are formidable
menace to this country as its millions
of men are sent overseas. It is un.
derstOod here that Germany intendb
to. force an immediate decision from
Spain on its protest against the trade
agreement. The reports reaching here
indicated that a speedy reply was asked
for in the communication sent from
Berlin, and which now is in the hands
of the Spanish government.
Diplomatic officials explained today
that the situation presents several
most serious consequences affecting
the United States and the Allies Be,
cause of this, the state department ID
understood to have taken up with the
trade board the matter Of getting
through Immediately at least a portion
of the supplies promised to Spain, 50
that the agreement can be made be
fore Madrid is compelled to start its
answer Berlin ward.