MR. LANSING'S STATEMENT.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14293, 23 December 1916, Page 5

MR. LANSING'S STATEMENT.

THE NEWSPAPERS' MYSTIFIED

GENERALLY INTERPRETED AS A

SERIOUS WARNING

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received Dec. 23, 1.30 a.m.)

New, York, Dec. 21. The newspapers agree that there is a mysterious meaning underlying Mr Lansing's statement. It is generally interpreted as a fear that a clash with Germany is near. ~.,... ,

The "New York Tribune", says: "Mr Lansing wholly transformed the character of the President' 6 action/ If'we are on the verge of war, who threatens us? Did the President ask for a statement of terms in order to decide which alliance to join? The President cannot now refuse to explain." The "New York World" ■ sots that despite Iris explanations, Mr I :uising's •statement"'.was no idle warning. The "New York Herald" says Mr Lansing's statement was a direct and unmistakable warning to Germany against the massacre of Americans at sea.