UNITED STATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 February 1916, Page 5

UNITED STATES.

FROM A GERMAN ATTACHE'S MAILBAG. INTERESTING- CORRESPONDENCE. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, Feb. 9. Captain von Papon's papers included specifications and details for the American manufacturing companies regarding tlie German orders for shrapnel and high explosives, and pointing out tint the American shell is not equal to tl.e German specifications because of the difference in the process of manufacture. George Silvester Vicrcck writes to Captain von Papon on December 4: ''We have refrained from publishing the shameful thinjjs which President Wilson and Ilia administration have done in tlie name of neutrality because ve do rot wish to male 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 ot von Papen's cheques show largo 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 th(> Government service, including Kuepferle, who committed suicide while under sentence for spying.

THE LUSITANIAa THE CONTROVERSY CLOSED. GERMANY'S TERMS AGREED TC. BRITAIN AND THE BLOCKADE. Received Feb. 10, 9.;") p.m. London, Feb. 9. The Daily Telegraph's correspondent at Washington says that despatches take it for granted that Germany's proposals for a settlement of the Lusitania controversy are considered satisfactory. Count Bernstorff will be received shortly and the controversy will be declared closed. It is understood that Berlin admits full responsibility and 'Offers an indemnity and guarantees for the future. It is stated that President Wilson will be satisfied if Berlin's present assurances are put in legal form. It is clear Germany desires to keep on friendly terms with America, and Washington is conscious that Count BcrnstorlFs bluff recognises that, in so far as Germany has foregone her systematic submarine warfare. This, 'however, is due more to the increasing preventive power of the Brit-i:-Ii navy than to a change of policy.

When a settleniint is reached Count liernstorft' will urge President Wilson to fulfil his pledge to prod Britain regarding her naval blockade, which, he said, interfered with the trading ' rights of neutrals. A few Irish "carpet-baggers" will urge President Wilson to prod fiercely, but the great majority of Americans realise that Britain will refuse to relax the restrictions.