Show BEAK OF MEN WAR 15 AN ACT OF PROTEST CHRON AS MEASURE SHORT OF WAR rights of germans german in united states state and of Amer americans leans in germany practically unaffected by diplomatic break washington breaking aking olt alt diplomatic relations with wah germany does not mean war dwar but easily may lead to war it Is if on an act of protest characterized in the usage of nations as a measure short of war tho the danger that war may follow Is accentuated by the diplomatic history ot of tho the world modern times show allow no instance of a diplomatic break between two first class powers that has not been followed by hostilities tho the rights of germans in tho the united states and of 0 americans in germany aro are practically unaffected by the severance of 0 diplomatic relations no treaties are terminated or suspended but remain in full force and effect unless either government decides to renounce benoune e them which under international practice generally calls tor for a notice of 0 one year german consuls in the lied states and american consuls germany holding theli places by virtue of treaties continue to perform their usual functions but they no longer work under tho the supervision of diplomatic officers there is no change in commercial relations already badly crippled by the war individuals and corporations may continue their usual affairs provided they do not deal in contraband and their obligations are as binding as ever the courts still remain open to them for redress re dresa but they have no facility for direct intervention of their officials they may however bo be represented by the diplomats of the friendly powers to care for the interests of the alie respective governments there should bo be no sequestration or confiscation of private property either in the united states or germany although it may be taken for use under certain circumstances the ninety five or more german merchant ships tied up in american ports since the beginning of the war may be used by tho the united states but tho the german owners ultimately must be compensated the ships scattered in the ports of continental united states porto rico and tho the pacific island possessions including the philippines comprise some of the best known liners and aggregate gross tons only in case of war Is there possibility of their being absolutely confiscated and even then such auch action Is doubtful tor for the united states in the world court of nations has been the leading exion 1 ent property of the inviolability of private I 1 malls will continue to move under i the geneva convention and other existing special conventions there has haa been no restrictions upon the free movement of travelers between the two countries other than the fixed policy of the united states to issue no passports to visit the war zone unless they have pressing business there |