America

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 56, 11 February 1916, Page 5

America

A GERMAN ATTACHE’S MAILBAG. INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE (UmiaD Pare* Amooutton.l London, February 9. Captain von Papen’s papers included specification and details for the American manufacturing companies , regarding the German orders for shrapnel and high explosives, and pointing out that the American shell is not equal to the German specifications because of the difference in the process of manufacture.

George Silvester Viereck writes to Captain von Papen on December 4: “We have refrained from publishing the shameful things which President Wilson aiid his administration have done in the name of neutrality because we do not wish to make the position of Germany’s representative more difficult. A letter from a German-American regrets the impossibility of getting to Germany to fight. “It is impossible,” lie says, “to get through, as the British search every corner of every ship.” Facsimiles of von Papen’s cheques show large payments made to the [Secret Service for spying and dynamiting. Three sums were paid to spies who were sent to England and attempted to enter the Government service, including Kuepferle, who committed suicide while under sentence for spying. LUSITANIA INCIDENT. THE CONTROVERSY CLOSED. BRITAIN AND THE BLOCKADE. London, February 9. The Daily Telegraph’s correspondent at Washington says that despatches take it for granted that Germany’s proposals for a settlement oi the Lusitania controversy are considered satisfactory. Count Bernstorff will he received shortly and tlie controversy will be declared closed.

It is understood that Berlin admits full responsibility and offers an in■demnity and guarantees for the future. it is stated that President Willson will be satisfied if Berlin’s present assurances are put in legal form, jit is clear Germany desires to keep lon friendly terms with America, and Washington is conscious that Count Bernstorffs bluff recognises that, in as far as Germany has foregone her systematic submarine warfare. This, however, is due more to the increasing preventive power of the British navy than to a change of policy.

1 When a settlement is reached Count Bernstorff will urge President M ilsou to fulfil his pledge to prod Britain icgarding her naval blockade, which, he said, interfered with the trading rights 'of neutrals. A tew Irish “caipet baggers” will urge President Wilson to prod fiercely, hut the great majority of Americans realise that Britain will refuse to relax the restrictions.