GERMANY AND AMERICA

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 March 1917, Page 5

GERMANY AND AMERICA

HUNS W!LL GIVE NO (UUARANTgIs,

EMPOWERING BILL WILL PASS.

[AUSTRALIAN ANl> B.Z. CABLK iSBOCHA'i'ION.J lleceivett this day at 12.20 a.m. WASHING lON, February 27. Germany refuses to guarantee the safety of the American naval vessels iJesmoines and Caesar if they are sent to Beirut with relief for destitute Americans; also to bring* oil' a thousand American refugees.' Officials say that it will mean war if they are attacked. Home discuss the'possibility of returning via Suez and the Pacific. Arrangements have been made to withdraw the diplomatic officers from Austria if necessary, and there is a belief that a break is inevitable. Sp-' J "~) will be asked to take over American interests. Diplomatic-opinion is that Germany is trying to force a break between America and Austria. The Senate Foreign, delations Committee agreed to the amended draft of the Bill empowering President Wilson to act. In the draft full power is asked, but the amendments permit shipowners or the President to arm merchantmen,, and also to stipulate what defensive guns may be placed fore and oft. The Senators say that the draft empowers anything short of sending an armed expedition io Europe, even permitting the sinking of manoeuvring submarines. There is widespread opinion that the.arming is most likely to lead to hostilities. The "New York Times'' Washington correspondent says : The official attitude regarding the Laconia is that it constitutes an overt act. No further facts or inquiry are needed until Congress acts on the President's recommendations. There are all indications that Congress will pass the Empowering Bill.

A ORY FOR VENGEANCE. A SON'S APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT. Iteceived this day at 9.155 a.m. LONDON, February 28. Mr Austin Hoy cabled to President Wilson demanding that the deaths of his mother and sister be avenged, and requesting the privilege of being the first volunteer "for the American Army. He adds: The offer is not mock heroics. I am un American business man, but I cannot expect other Americans to offer their lives to avenge the Laconia outrage unless I do so.

FULL POWERS.

TO BE CONFTIRRFJI ON THE

PRESIDENT

[AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.]

Received this duy. at 12,30 p.m. NEW YORK, February 23

In the House of Representatives tJie Foreign Affairs Committee deHrlpH to report the Bill empowering the President to provide suns and gunners for America'" merchantmen, and an appropriation of 100.000,000 million dollars for the President's use.

The Bill doe s not. specifically confer blanket powers, but the appropriation carlies this implication.