Meanwhile the rupture of diplomatic relations with Austria and the
seizure of all Austrian vessels in American ports—fourteen in number and of a total tonnage of sixty-seven thousand—are believed to portend a speedy declaration of war. Cuba has declared war on Germany, Panama has announced her resolve to stand in with the United States for the defence of the Canal, and Brazil has broken off diplomatic relations with Germany in consequence of the sinking of the '.Parana.' According to Lloyd's, there are forty five valuable German vessels and four Austrian liners, of a total tonnage of 253,795, sheltering in Brazilian ports. As regards the naval co-operation of the United States, the Washington correspondent of the New York World anticipates that it will take the form of patrolling and pro- tecting American waters from Nova Scotia to the Antilles and the Caribbean Sea, joint policing of the high seas against commerce destroyers, and helping the Fleet of the Allies in European waters.
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