TREATMENT OF AMERICANS IN GERMANY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 37, 12 February 1917, Page 5

TREATMENT OF AMERICANS IN GERMANY.

CONFLICTING REPORTS RESPECTING MR. GERARD. GERMAN BANKS REFUSE TO LOAN MONEY. .Australian and NZ Cabla Association.. NEW YORK, February 11. The State Department has not been advised whether Mr. Gerard has received his passports. Through Switzerland America is demanding to know why he has been detained in Germany. An Amsterdam report states that Mr. Gerard, accompanied by 200 American Consuls, and others, will leave Berlin to-night under military escort. The Kaiser will send an equerry to accompany Mr. Gerard to Basle, in Switzerland. The Embassy building is now under special police protection. Explaining to the Dutch Press the position of Americans in Germany, the German representative in Amsterdam said his Government had not received reports from Count Bernstorff concerning the treatment of Germany's representatives and subjects in America. Count Bernstorff was unable even to announce his dismissal; all communication has apparently been stopped. Germany was compelled to adopt the same measures. If it was true that America had confiscated German ships or interned the crews, this violated the treaty made between Prussia and America in 1819. He asserted that the only causes delaying Mr. Gerard', departure were the necessity of making out 100 passports, and the fact Mr. Gerard had not completed his preparations. Germany, through Switzerland, was negotiating with America to save the subjects of both countries harsh treatment. The Zurich correspondent of the French newspaper "Petit Parisicn" states that sfinancial circles confirm the report that the German authorities have ordered banks to make it difficult for Americans to withdraw money. In consequence of this, many Americans arc almost unable to buy food. The Deutsche Bank refused Mr. Gerard a loan. The "Cologne Gazette" states that it has been arranged that American correspondent- will remain unless war is declared. Germany considers it desirable that Americans should receive news which is not subject to British control. It is understood that Britain has informed the United States that she ■will sgrant a cafe conduct to Count Bernstorff, but cannot be responsible for anything due to Germany's disregard for international law. {Raultr'a telegrams.] l Mr. Lansing, Secretary of State, issues an announcement that he declines to believe that Mr. Gerard has been detained in Berlin by the German Government on any pretext whatever. No Americans are reported to have arrived at Copenhagen from Germany this week. \