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Show GERMAN PROPOSAL AS TO TREATIES IS PRESENTED WASHINGTON, Feb. 12. Germany's proposal tor a reaffirmation of the old Prussian -American treaties of 179 and l,s2,. with a Ions list of added clauses to modernize and extend provisions relating: to the treatment of enemv residents in case of war, has been transmitted formally for-mally to the state department by Dr Paul Ritter, the Swiss minister here. This is the proposition former American Ambassador Gerard refused to consider when the German foreign nfficp afr.- tho United States had broken relations sent it to him in the form of a protocol with the intimation that if he did not attach his signature Americans in German v misht be held as hostages to insure good treatment of Germans in this countrv. The document, submitted in French, is beinR translated for the consideration of President Wilson and .Secretary Lansing. Officials familiar in a general way with its nature said today it apparently was so different from the original treaties that It virtually would constitute a new one, and strong doubt was expressed that the United States would enter into negotiations negotia-tions on the subject, as it is understood now confirmation by the senate would.be necessary, even if the executive branch I of the government desired to agree to 1 such a protocol. Most important among the new provi- 1 sions suggested by Germany is one expanding ex-panding the exemption from seizure Jji case of war between the two countries of "merchants and their effects." of an exemption ex-emption specifically mentioning enemy ships which are in port at the time of the outbreak of war and which either must be 4eft free-in pork or given safe conduct to their own ports, presumably in face of a blockade conducted by hostile governments. govern-ments. Also sections are added forbidding forbid-ding internment or restrictions upon the liberty or freedom of movement of enemy nationals, and reaffirming the old provisions provi-sions allowing merchants nine months to close up their business and depart, and guaranteeing the inviolability of patents. In part the spirit of the old treaty the United States already has adhered to. Official Of-ficial statements have been issued at the president's declaration that German war-bound war-bound ships here would not be seized or used, even in case of war, and that bank deposits and other personal property of Germans also would be Immune. |