THE PRUSSO-AMERICAN TREATY.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14337, 13 February 1917, Page 5

THE PRUSSO-AMERICAN TREATY.

ASTUTE PROPOSAL TO MR

GERARD

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received Feb. 12, 6.45 p.m.)

London, Feb. 11

The "Daily Telegraph's"' Copenhagen correspondent says that prior to the breaking off of relations Germany proposed to Mr Gerard that in case of war there should be a re-ratification of the treaty of 1799, specifying that ships should not be confiscated, contracts should be respected, and the right to remain in the two countries during the war should be extended to merchants, doctors and teachers, and providing against the internment of civilians.

Mr Gerard answered that he would no longer be an Ambassador, and wouW have no authority to sign -the-treaty.

The German Government then dropped the negotiations.