GERMANY AND AMERICA

Southland Times, Issue 17654, 11 February 1916, Page 5

GERMANY AND AMERICA

LUSITANIA CONTBOVEBSK SETTLED GERMANY'S PROMISES. THE BRITISH BLOCKADE. GERMANY WILL USE AMERICAN INFLUENCE. (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright) LONDON, February 9. Received February 10, 9.5 p.m. The Daily Telegraph’s correspondent at Washington says that despatches take it for granted that Germany’s proposals for the settlement of the Lusitania controversy are considered satisfactory. Count Bernstorff will be shortly received, declaring that the controversy is closed. It is understood that Berlin admits full responsibility and offers an indemnity and guarantees for the future. It is stated that President Wilson will be satisfied if Berlin’s present assurances ate put into legal form. It is clear that Germany desires to keep on friendly terms with America. Washington is conscious of Count Bernstorff’s bluff, and recognises in so far as Germany has foregone systematic submarine warfare, that this Is due more to the increasing preventive power of the British Navy than to a change of policy. When a settlement has been reached Count Bernstorff will urge President Wilson to fulfil his pledge to prod Britain regarding her naval blockade, which it is said has interfered ■ with the trading rights of neutrals. A few Irish carpet baggers will urge President Wilson to prod fiercely, but the great majority of Americans realise that Britain will refuse to relax the restrictions.