CRISIS IN RELATIONS OF AMERICA WITH GERMANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16205, 15 April 1916, Page 7

CRISIS IN RELATIONS OF AMERICA WITH GERMANY.

SUSSEX.QUESTION ABSORBS PRESIDENT'S ATTENTION. SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE OF GREEK OFFICER ON THE VESSEL THIRTEEN FRAGMENTS OF A TORPEDO CAN BE SHOWN. (Received April 14, 10.5 p.m.) London, April 14. A telegram from Washington states that in view of the gravity of the situation arising from the sinking of the Sussex Mr. Wilson has cancelled his engagements. The Government authorities consider that Germany's admissions strengthen the American case. They are awaiting affidavits from London and Paris. A Greek officer who was aboard the Sussex states that nothing can destroy the proofs that the steamer was sunk by a submarine. "We can show 13 fragments of a torpedo," he states. "We can publish the name of the submarine's commander, and we know the full route prior to.the outrage." This evidence is corroborated by the crew of another submarine which was destroyed on April 5. The New York papers deride the German Note disclaiming responsibility for the tragedy. The New York World calls it " Germany's Confession," and declares that the United States must sever relations with a Power which has obliterated the only basis upon which diplomatic relations can be conducted. A general decline in the prices of stocks in New York followed the circulation of a rumour that Count von Bernstorff, German Ambassador in Washington, will receive his passports within a fortnight.