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Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 457, 28 July 1915, Page 6

Although the last American Note to Germany is very like an ultimatum in tone, practically declaring that if the submarine tactics are not suspended diplomatic relations will cease, Germany, it is said, "will make a speedy. reply and continue negotiations." America's demands have been stated so clearly that there remains nothing further I to discuss from her side, and the German replies have made all the I excuses backed; by the plea of "military necessity," and the "fight jfor national existence," that seem possible. But evidently there is divided opinion in the German War Council, one party desiring to retain peaceful relations with the one great ; civilised Power that remains unemi barrassed by war, and the other, bej licving that American intervention j would be an advantage to Germany ! rather than a disaster. There is no I doubt that Admiral von Tirpitz is at 'the head of this.policy of submarine| i frightfulncss, and equally little I doubt that he lias strong public support in Germany; but, supposing that | the embroiling of America is part of the Tirpitz policy, there must be a restraining influence in the Council, for cause could have been found in previous Notes - for breaking off diplomatic relations. The statement of the Chicago "Staats-Zei-tung," the German-American organ, that such a rupture will fulfil the wishes of England, is not in the least true. America could do practically nothing to aid the Allies in Ihc event of war being declared, for she would have to devote all her resources to organising at home. The very material aid she is giving in the supply of munitions makes her more valuable as a neutral than as an ally, for these supplies would have to be retained for her own use. Then j again, the position she now holds as j the remaining guardian of the world's financial stability, is of tremendous importance. Her entrance into the war would make chaos of the whole delicate fabric of financial organisation. America has not yet severed diplomatic relations, but the sinking of another American ship following immediately on the Note is evidence that Germany has not the slightest intention of renouncing her policy, and makes that course practically certain; and if that step is taken it is hard to see how the last and gravest resort is to be avoided.