RELATIONS SEVERED.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 347, 5 February 1917, Page 5

RELATIONS SEVERED.

Bernstorff Receives Passports.

Mr. Gerard Recalled From

Berlin.

Americans Solidly Support Wilson.

[PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPTBIGHT.]

| Washington, February 3. V Count Bernstorff (German Ambassador at Washington) has I been handed his passports, and Mr. Gerard (American Ambassador at Berlin) has been ordered home from Berlin. Dr. Wilson announced to Congress that Count Bernstorff has been dismissed, but said that he did not believe that Germany would carrv out her threat of unrestricted submarining. He would therefore await an overt act. If Germany committed an overt act he would ask Congress for power to protect Americans on the high seas. He anticipated that other neutrals would co-operate for this purpose. Prior to his statement to Congress Dr. Wilson conferred with the Cabinet and Foreign Relations Committee. Individual Senators convinced him of their loyal support whatever happened. The majority of Senators favoured breaking off relations. Instructions have been issued to Mr. Gerard to close the American Embassy in Berlin and all Consulates in Germany. All the officials are coming home. Spain will attend to Aemrican diplomatic interests. Germany will be represented in Washington by Switzerland. American Consuls in belligerent countries are instructed to suspend all activities favourable to German interests. [reuteb]

(Received 5, 10.20 a.m.) New York, February 4. There is a belief in some quarters that Germany may reply with a declaration of war.

PRESIDENT’S SPEECH IN CONGRESS.

NO ALTERNATIVE CONSISTENT WITH HONOUR

New York, February 4. Count Bernstorff was handed his passports at 2 o’clock. Simultaneously Dr. Wilson commenced his speech to Congress. He invoked the guidance of the Almighty on the step taken. He detailed why America could not continue relations with a warring Power which had repeatedly invaded its sacred rights and taken the lives of its citizens. He recited the various notes which had passed between the United States and Germany, and the promise given after the sinking of the Sussex. He continued:—“ I think you will agree with me that after this week’s declaration, which suddenly withdraws the solemn assurance given in the German note of May 4th, this Government has no alternative consistent with the dignity and honour of America but to take the course which in the note relating to the Sussex it announced it would take in the event of Germany not abandoning the methods of submarine warfare she was then employing, and to which she now proposes to resort. I Have directed the Secretary of State to announce to the German, Ambassador that all diplomatic relations between America and Germany will be severed, and that the American Ambassador at Berlin will be immediately withdrawn. Notwithstanding this unexpected action of Germany, and the sudden and deeply deplorable renunciation of its assurance given at a critical moment of tension, I refuse to believe that it is the intention of the German authorities to do in fact what they warn us they feel at liberty to do. I cannot bring myself to believe that they will pay no regard to the ancient friendship between their people and ours, to the solemn obligations exchanged. Only actual overt acts on their part -can make me believe it. If this confidence on my part should ' unhappily prove unfounded, and American ships and lives be in heedless contravention of a just and reasonable . understanding of international laws and the obvious dictates of humanity—if overt acts are forthcoming, I will come again to Congress and ask authority to use any means necessary for the protection of our seamen and people. We do not desire a hostile conflict with the German Government. We are sincere friends of the German people, and earnestly desire to remain at peace with the Government which speaks for them. All neutral governments, I believe, will take the same course.”

He concluded:—“We seek merely to stand true alike in thought and action to the immemorial principles of our people. We seek merely to indicate our rights to liberty and justice and unmolested life. These are the bases of peace, not of war. God grant that we may not be challenged to the defence of them by acts of wilful injustice on the part of the Government of Germany.”

A crowded Chamber cheered President Wilson’s speech. There was a. great burst of applause and waving of handkerchiefs when he announced the break of relations.

DECISION ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECEIVED.

GERMAN PLOTTERS WATCHFD.

[AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] New York. February 3

The announcement that America had decided to sever diplomatic relations was received with country-wide enthusiasm, and a feeling of general belief that America’s honour will be vindicated whatever the cost.

The demeanour in the streets of New York was one of restrained excitement, the people realising that the Government had taken a most important decision. There was an absence of large groups or crowds in the streets, owing to the intense cold.

All steps have been taken by the police to prevent unlawful Hets by Germans. Police guards were placed on railway bridges and aqueducts, and a special watch at the rendezvous of known German plotters.

A special force of 2000 constabulary is ready for any emergency.

Although the Germans at New London fired the stored cargo intended for the Deutchland, the fire was quickly extinguished. Special precautions have been adopted to guard the White blouse and protect President Wilson and Mr. Lansing.

Orders have been issued to man the battle cruisers.

The entire national guard of the New York State, also the naval and military forces, have been called out as a protective measure.

AMERICA AWAKE AND ERECT.

THE ONLY POSSIBLE ANSWER GIVEN

(Received 5, 9.40 a.m.) New York, February 4,

An editorial in the “ New York World ” says:—“We face the crisis without fear of reproach, and we wi’l stand together, come what may.”

The “ Sud ” declares:—The blood of Americans pulses firmly and proudly. America is now awake and erect.” The “ Tribune ” states:—” It was the only answer. If war comes, it will be by Germany’s act ,and we will welcome it.” The’“Herald” says:—“President Wilson has made a decision, and it is for the right. . The press outside New York is practically unanimous in its support of President Wilson. German-American newspapers hope war will be averted.

WAR NOT INEVITABLE.

PRESIDENT WILSON’S VIEWS

k [REUTER] Washington, February 4. There is the highest authority for saying that’ President Wilson does not regard the sundering of diplomatic relations as an inevitable prelude to war.

Washington fears war, and considers it likely, but hopes it is avoidable, because the American people, though they will follow President Wilson in anything, do not want war. Furthermore, President Wilson thinks he can best help the other cause of humanity by remaining outside

POPULAR DEMAND FOR HOSTILITIES.

[AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND < Alli,t: AS.MH lA iIUN ] (Received 5, 1 1.5 a.in.) London February 4. Washington telegrams show that the popular demand for war is spreading in consequence ol the torpedoing of the Hansatonic. If reports are confirmed, wai is considered inevitable.

PLENTY OF MONEY FOR WAR.

|revter] (Received 4, 11-55 n.m.) Washington, February 4. A New York financial correspondent says that financiers regard war as inevitable. They declare that the financial situation was never better. President Wilson can raise any sum he likes in 24 hours. ROOSEVELT’S SWORD READY.

[AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received 5, 11.15 a.m.) Washington, February 4. Mr. Roosevelt has offered to raise a division if war is declared, when he and his four sons will enlist.

GERMAN SPIES EVERYWHERE.

(Received 5, 11.15 a.m.) New York, February 4.

It is estimated that there are 1 <9,000 spies in the United States. The Secret Service admits that Germans have endeavoured to secure plans of the fortifications of the principal ports. There are widespread plans to cope with the spy menace.

FOR NEUTRALS.

OPEN CHANNEL THROUGH BLOCKADE AREA.

[AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCLATION AND REUTER] (Received 5, 11.15 a.m.) London, February 4. A German official message announces an alteration in the blockade of England, allowing neutrals a channel of twenty kilometres off the West Danish coast, between the British and German danger zones.

JUST WHAT BERNSTORFF EXPECTED I

“ HOW AM I GOING TO GET HOME?”

Washington, February 3.

When pressmen called at Count Bernstorff’s office, he received them cordially. He was outwardly unmoved, and greeted them smilingly with a “ Good morning, boys!” Questioned as to his intentions, he replied, ‘‘ I do not know; this is my first experience of this kind.” He added, with a laugh, that there were several ships in American ports, and he would doubtless find one to take him home.

In the course of an interview he said, “I am so sorry. However, I expected it. There was nothing else left for the United States to do. I wonder how lam going to get home. My Government will not be surprised, neither will the people in Berlin. They know what was bound to happen if they took the action they have taken. However, I have simply been here to carry out the orders of my Government.’ The Embassy officials have begun packing •« Count Bernstorff says he is authorised to arrange for the passage of any American ship without contraband through the safety line to Falmouth. He now explains that Germany stipulated for one ship weekly because she understood that only four American passenger ships were plying to England; but America could increase that number.

The State Department is how isuing passports to those leaving for Europe.

AUSTRIA APPROVES GERMAN POLICY.

New York, February 3. The Ambassador at Vienna has cabled that Austria adheres to Germany’s course.

AMERICAN PREPARATIONS FOR WAR.

PLANS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION.

New York, February 3. All agree that the first American life lost through the new submarine war will bring the crash. Washington, February 3. Senator Thomas has introduced a bill authorising the issue of Treasury notes for naval and military preparations for a hundred millions sterling. (Received 5, 9.40 a.m.) London, February 4.

“ Lloyds’ Weekly News’ ” New York correspondent says that the General Staff has formulated plans for immediate action in the event of war. Two million troops are raisable yearly for two years. The General Staff’s scheme includes American factories for munitions and supplies

OVERT ACTS COMMITTED.

SINKING OF THE HANSATONIC

New York, February 3.

The American steamer Hansatonic w-as sunk. The German ciews refused to allow the Customs officers and other officials to go below. Count Bernstorff is believed to be behind the refusal. T Later.

If the reported sinking of the Hansatonic is true, there is already an overt act which adds to the situation the last degree of gravity. [reuter] (Received 5, 10.20 a.m.) New York, February 4.

Relief was felt when it was learned that the Hansatonic’s crew was saved. It is not known whether she was warned or not.

FAIR WARNING CIVEN.

TENSION RELIEVED

[reuter] (Received 4, ii-5S a.m.) London, February 4. The Housatonic (not ITansatomc) was submarined off the Scillies. The crew were rescued by a British armed steamer. Washington, February 4. The State Department has received a message from the American consul at Plymouth, stating that the Housatonic received full warning. Opportunity was afforded for the ctew to escape before she was torpedoed. This news has relieved the tension.

PLOTS TO DESTROY SHIPPING.

INTERNED ENEMY SHIPS SEIZED

New York. February 3. It is believed that the Germans have been secretly preparing to blow up the interned ships, worth many millions. > The “Providence Journal” states that five of Germany’s finest vessels were found readv at New York for a dash to sea, which failed. All the interned ships are said to have specially prepared hands ready to destroy their machinery. The American officials seized the Appam. [reuter] (Received 5, 10.20 a.m.) New York, February 4. The chief machinist’s mate of a United States torpedo boat, Jacob Jones, has been arrested and charged with opening the seacocks. There were two feet of water in the hold when the alleged attempt to sink the ship was discovered. The .Austrian freight steamer Himalaya, lying at Newark, has been rendered unseaworthy by the piston head and other parts of her machinery being wilfully smashed.

Two interned auxiliary cruisers, the Wilhelm and the Friederich, have been seized and the crews imprisoned.

Panama reports state that four interned HamburgAmerican steamships were seized at Christobal. Protective measures are being taken in the canal zone. Washington, February 3. America has demanded the immediate release of Americans captured by the Atlantic raider.

OTHER NEUTRALS WILL FOLLOW AMERICA’S LEAD.

[AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION’] (Received 5, g. 40 a.m.) London, February 4. The Central News’ Washington correspondent states that concerted action of neutrals, along the same lines as the United States is taking, is regarded as probable, particularly among the Latin-American nations. [ REUTER ] Rio de Janiero, February 3. The press condemns the German threats, and insists that if the United States is involved, South America will follow her. It suggests timely* protective steps, and states that neutrals must put Germany 7 in a strait waistcoat. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received S, U-i 5 a.m.) Copenhagen, February 7 4. The Kings of Sweden and Denmark conferred at the Amaiienborg Palace. The * ‘ Lokal Anzieger ” states that the Dutch Government has prohibited all between the ages of 19 and 48, liable to bear arms, to leave Holland. The Danish Shipowners’ Association has stopped all shipping to Entente countries, pending the result of the Government’s negotiations with the belligerent groups. Stockholm, February 3. The insurance committee has refused to issue policies to vessels loading for France or Great Britain. Mails to England have been stopped. [reuter] (Received 5, 1 1-55 a.m.) Sweden has demanded from Germany an explanation of the submarining of the Edda. The situation is regarded as most serious.

GERMANS ON NEUTRAL FRONTIERS.

Amsterdam, February 3. Messages from various parts of the frontier report German troop concentrations, including cavalry and artillery. German officers declare they are purely defensive, as the new submarine warfare may produce complications. Similar precautions are being taken on the Danish frontier.

SWITZERLAND FACED WITH RUIN.

London, February 3

The position of Switzerland is most serious; she is faced with absolute ruin. The only excepted port connected With railways is a small harbour on the French coast.

SWEDEN FEARS SHORTAGE OF CRAIN.

Copenhagen. February 3. The Swedish Government organ “Stockholm Dagblad ” points out that the Government in 1916 bought 200,000 tons ol grain and a vast quantity of foodstuffs in America, of which only 70,000 tons has hitherto been imported. The country is threatened with a shortage. The newspaper demands the seizure of all taw material, especially that belonging to foreigners, also a drastic restriction oh exports, owing to the shortage of coal. [REUTER] (Received 5, 11-55 a.m.) Rio de Janiero, February 4. The Government is convinced that the time has come to abandon neutrality if the new German submarines directly injures vital interests. . Brazil opines that the moment the United States enters the conflict, the South American States ought to seek a uniform policy.

SHIPPING SERVICES AS USUAL.

TRAVELLING PUBLIC UNPERTURBED

[AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] New York, February 3.

The Atnerican shipping companies state that American bookings have not diminished. There have been no cancellations of bookings, which have lately been larger than usual. travelling public is apparently unperturbed. Even women show no anxiety. . . . The Nieuwe Amsterdam’s cancellation afreets Americans in England who were booked to join her at Falmouth. It is estimated that there are a thousand American passengers now on the Atlantic. . “ Washington. February 3. The Government is considering the convoying of American merchantmen through European waters bv the American fleet. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received S, 11.15 a - m -) Washington, February 4. Professor Ellery Stowell urges the seizure of interned liners. (Received 5, 11.15 a.m.) New York, February 4. The America line of steamers is not allowed to sail at present. They may be convoyed or armed.

THE NEWS IN LONDON.

SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM

AMERICAN VISITORS JUBILANT

[ADMIRALTY PER WIRELESS PRESS] (Received 5> ii-3° a.m.) London, February 4.

Americans in London greeted President Wilson’s decision with hearty satisfaction. There were scenes of enthusiasm m the dining-rooms of the great hotels which are popular with American visitors, the hotel orchestras playing The StarSpangled Banner ” and “ Yankee Doodle.’ A crowd of several hundreds gathered outside the American Embassy, cheering. Forming fours, they marched off to tour the West End, accompanied by an impromptu band consisting of half-a-dozen whistles, a trombone, two oboes, and some other wind instruments of the windiest character.

A man from Virginia joined them, having a kilted Scotty on one arm and a French poilu on the other He selected the Empire corner for a particularly happy httle speech. Say, boys,” he cried, “ it’s the first time since the war began that I have been able to take the hand of a Britisher and the arm of a Frenchman, and in doing so I feel I am a true American. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABt.K ASSOCIATION] (Received 5, 11.55 a.m.) London, February 4.

The newspapers are not surprised at President Wilson’s decision. Its promptness is interpreted as indicating that America’s amour propre is sharply affronted by Germany s insolent dictation, also that President Wilson is conscious that the whole nation is behind him.

GERMANY'S UNSWERVING DETERMINATION

TO CARRY ON FRIGHTFULNESS

[AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received 5> 11 -15 a.m.) New York, February 4. The “New York Times’ ” Berlin correspondent states that Germany is determined to carry out her policy, despite America’s action.

(Received 5, 9.15 a.m.) Amsterdam, February 4,

The “ Lokal Anzeiger ” says:—‘‘lt is not a matter of indifference that the greatest neutral Power slides with our enemies, but Washington is not mistaken. We foresaw the possibility, and discovered it to be a lesser evil than abandoning our best we<ipon uguinst our most dishonest adversaries. Rotterdam, February 3.

The German semi-official agency states that whatever course America may take, it will have no significance. Germany’s last step is irretrievable, and cannot be influenced from outside.

Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg s explanations to the party leaders smothered opposition, and convinced them that the new warfare will bring a speedy peace.

“WE WILL STRIKE WITHOUT MERCY.”

Amsterdam, February 3. Messages show that the Germans are doing their best to terrify neutrals. Admiral von Scheer, m a message to the newspaper, states: “My motto is, ‘Our future lies on the seas.’ The British sea lions may gnash their teeth, but we will strike without mercy.” Ihe German news agency states that 400 submarines will partake in the blockade. All the officers in German patrol ships in the Baltic have long been called back and trained for submarine service. " CW t>PC “ aV ' bMn C ° n - THE HUNS’ LAST HOPE. addressed representative Germans, ‘ad.n ttW situation was deplorable, and that ) r '?" or « i°a d °“‘k r thO “* h th - xzffis he had dK,deii *°

REVENTLOW’S PHILOSOPHY.

“Le Petit Paricinn’e ”7 -i Paris, February 3. nt tL rXi- 1 r cn s Zurich correspondent reports that tary expert? lf tlm’unit^d'.State ?d’ C Gennan deHsed We WIH be m * coura £ eousl . v - Even the mo?t rieveX devised peace would mean ruin for us. We must have nur frontiers sufficiently protected and territory in S FW for colonisation. W e must have liberty co the seas not an inter "SSssary.” German ’ iberty; aIS ° a ffrSd fleet"

NOBILITIES’ WEALTH ENDANGERED.

n , Amsterdam, February 3. Berlin political circles are greatly perturbed by the wireless messages announcing America’s indignation.

The German leaders hoped that America, understanding the desperate plight of Austro-Germany, would undertake a new demarche with the Entente in order to force an early peace conference.

The nobility, including a number of Imperial princes, are owners of immense properties in America. The Kaiser has invested a fortune in America.

SOCIALISTS STAND ALOOF.

(“the times.”] (Received 5, 9.15 a.m.) Amsterdam. February 4. German newspapers inspiredly warn the public against exaggerated expectations regarding the submarine frightfulness. “ Vorwaerts ” declares that the socialistic party declines responsibility for frightfulness.