Show Flag Incident Viewed With Much Concern WASHINGTON Feb 9 The The German Germand d declaration of oC a L war zone around tho the British isles Ides and the tho hoisting or of the tho hoisting of ot the tile American flag on the British liner continue to be topic topics top top- 1 ic ics 3 of ot widespread comment In official and antl diplomatic quarters quarter r and the receipt of or German Cerman war office memorandum from Ambassador Gerard and a n. report on the tl Incident from fron Ambassador Page aro eagerly awaited a here Until are r received the Washington government will take no action in the matter The Tho situation which has arisen as a are are- re result re- re suit sult of ot th the German declaration and the tho Incident was waR up for tor discussion today between President Wilson and hl his cabinet It was a understood that following following follow follow- ing the conference formal ormal Inquiries would be Instituted to ascertain what step tho the German Gennan naval commanders commander will wili take tako to merchant protect neutrals tra traveling tranS nS' nS on ships and for tor information as to the use of oC American lags flags by British ships generally ent rall J IS that t. t lb prescription pr of th the theat war at zone and the thc uso of tt s a- a neutral flag by war vessels ah a a. sem pf qt f war ma may endanger lives of f Am Americans whoso whose right to travel tra clon on neutral ships in war times limes If it Is understood will b be vigorously ly de defended de- de fended ended b by tho tile Washington government Jo Officials are aro raid to view this phase of or orthe the situation with much concern |