AMERICA AND GERMANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16215, 28 April 1916, Page 6

AMERICA AND GERMANY.

SETTLEMENT PROBABLE. KAISER CONCILIATORY, FEAR OF ECONOMIC PRESSURE London, April 26. Unofficial advices received from Berlin assert that the Kaiser is endeavouring to arrange a modus vivendi to prevent a breach with the United States over the submarine controversy. A settlement is believed to bo likely in view of Count Bernßtorff's activities.

The correspondent at New York of the London Times reports that official circles are distinctly hopeful as to the outcome of the GermanAmerican crisis. The reports from Berlin are breathing a submissive spirit, owing to the fear of economic pressure from America.

ARMED merchantmen,

AMERICAN CHANGE OF VIEW

Washington, April 26.

The State Department, in defining the American attitude j towards armed merchantmen, has i issued a statement upholding the j right of merchant ships to arm for protection only, but declaring that merchantmen which have used their armaments for aggressive purposes are not entitled to the same hospitality in neutral ports as peaceable, armed merchantmen. The United States thus abandons its previous attitude on the question of armed merchantmen.

In January last, Mr. Lansing, United States Secretary for ' State, asked belligerents to subscribe to the following principles:— belligerent merchantman has a right to rely on the rules of international law and humanity. 2. A merchantman of any nationality shall not be made the subject of an attack without warning. 3. A belligerent merchantman should promptly obey an order to stop. 4. A merchantman should not bo fired on unless she tries to resist. Even then the attack should cease directly her flight or resistance ceases. 5. Sinking of a merchant vessel is justified only if it is impossible to supply a prize crew. In that case the passengers and crew must be removed to safety. He threatened, if the belligerents refused, to deny* armed merchantmen entry to American ports except under tho conditions applying to warships. He further added that it was doubtful whether it was legal for merchantmen to carry armaments. Early in February Germany announced her intention of sinking armed merchantmen at sight.

"SEEKING A SOLUTION." A LENGTHY CONFERENCE. (Received April 27. 11 era.) Amsterdam, April 26. The Frankfurter Zeitung declares that. Mr. Gerard, American Ambassador, had a long conference with the Chancellor, Dr. von BethmannHollweg. This indicates that the most serious efforts are being made to find a solution of the submarine question.