America Standing Firmly on Warning

The United States probably will make no reply, for the present, at least, regarding, respectively, the use of the American flag on foreign vessels and the dangers to neutral shipping in the naval war zone about the British Isles, warning against destruction of American lives or vessels.

Many officials who know the situation expect some further move in event of an overt act.

This was indicated in high official quarters today, after the official texts of the communications had been read.

The documents will be further examined, however, to determine whether there is anything in either note which, if not answered now, might be construed later as an admission.

In the case of the note to Great Britain objecting to any general use of the American flag by British vessels, the communication from England was not regarded as altering the original warning of the United States against the measure of responsibility which would seem to be imposed on England if any American vessels or lives were lost as a result of such general practice, although the denial of any intention to make frequent use of the neutral ensign was reassuring to officials.

The American government already, it was pointed out, has stated in emphatic language that Germany would be held to 'strict accountability' for any loss of American vessels or lives,' and this warning is construed by administration officials to be sufficiently broad also to cover any injury to American citizens aboard belligerent vessels.

Some high officials are urging that the United States, having made its position sufficiently clear in its correspondence with both Germany and Great Britain, should now remain silent and observe developments. The arguments in both the British and German communications charging violation of the rules of international law and warfare, it is held by administration officials, are of no concern to the United States. The breaking down of the doctrines of international law as between the belligerents does not, in the view of the high officials here, affect the status of those rules as between the United States and Great Britain and Germany, with whom this country is at peace.

The position of the United States is based on the right of a neutral to demand certain treatment for its ships and commerce regardless of the respective actions of the belligerents. Further correspondence with the belligerents is opposed by many officials on the ground that the American government ought not to be drawn into a discussion of the charges which Great Britain and Germany have made toward each other.

There is every prospect that the long British note replying to the American protest of December 28 on the subject of contraband will bring forth a rejoinder from the United States. The discussion is one of the academic principles of international law.

national law, and while officials here admit that the commerce of the United States has been treated much better by the allies since the protest was sent than before, they are unwilling to set any precedent by acquiescence in several of the British contentions.

Fewer Complaints.

The State department officials have received comparatively few complaints of detention and seizure and the opinion prevails among officials that the American protest has had its desired effect.

As for the note which Great Britain sent in the case of the American steamer Wilhelmina bound for Germany, with a cargo of foodstuffs, now held by the British prize courts, the State department will enter into no further correspondence on the subject, as awaiting the customary practice, the decision of the prize court before making diplomatic representations. The decision of the prize court is expected, however, to be made within a reasonable length of time and if in the opinion of the State department there is a denial of justice to the American owners, a protest will be entered.