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Show GERMAN PLEDGE 1 VIOLATED WHEN i IPlSSUIj Charge Grew Directed to; Report Attitude of United States to the Berlin Government. CABINET TO TAKE OFFICIAL ACTION Hope Entertained That Diplomatic Breach May Be Avoided; Note Be-! Be-! ing Prepared. By International News Service. WASHINGTON, Dec. JL The state department officially characterized the sinking of the British horse transport Marina, in which six Americans lost their lives, as a "violation of Germany's Ger-many's pledge to this nation" today. Secretary of the Embassy Grew in Berlin has been directed to inform Germany, Ger-many, according to a high authority here, that the United States government govern-ment is tired of "mistakes" in the sinking of merchant vessels. He has been instructed to tell the German foreign office that "reparation, indemnity indem-nity and punishment of the submarine commander" will not be sufficient to appease this government. The Marina and Arabia cases will again be taken up at tomorrow 's cabinet meeting and the opinion prevails that a note may be drawn immediately demanding a disavowal dis-avowal of the sinkings. Note Partly Drawn. It is possible that tortious of this note already have been drafted, but lacking official confirmation by the British government of the reports that both vessels were not under admiralty charter, it is not likely the note will be forwarded for some days. The state departlneut is said to be in possession of information as to tho character of both vessels which it considers conclusive of their status as merchantmen, btit no diplomatic action will be taken until complete confirmation is at hand. All the information in the hands of the government is to be forwarded to Germany immediately. This information informa-tion relates to the character of the Marina and Arabia and the conditions attendant upon .their sinking. Precautions Not Taken. It is stated in high circles that this government, from the facts at hand, is satisfied that proper precautions were not taken in the destruction of the vessels ves-sels anil that the eases, possibly in company com-pany with several others will be so placed before the German government as to draw forth a definite declaration declara-tion of future policy as to what efforts will be made to prevent repetitions. repeti-tions. There is high hope that a diplomatic breach with Germany will be avoided. The tenor of the Gerniau note is he-lieved he-lieved to show that that country wants to keep its obligation. Tt is explained that the policy of the United States has changed no whit since the Sussex note although it is admitted ad-mitted at the state department that extenuating ex-tenuating circumstances may attend some cases. Such is not the situation in the Marina situation, as it is understood the state department is satisfied that vessel was not in admiralty service at the time she was sunk. |