Clearance papers may not be made public when filed, thus preventing advance notice of her leaving being obtained. Conferences here between representatives of the Ocean Navigation Company and of the Grupp Steel Company and Simon Lake, inventor of the submarine, have given rise to reports that a company was in process of formation for the purpose of carrying on under sea commerce between this country and Germany, and that Mr. Lake had been invited to accept the position of consulting engineer. While no official announcement could be obtained from Paul G. L. Heleben, the American representative of the submarine interests, it is understood that plans for the new venture will be sent back to Germany on the Deutschland. Mr. Lake is said to have reached a satisfactory agreement with the owners of the Deutschland, and to have abandoned any intention of landing the vessel.

KEW. RILING ON ADVANCE OF A LIT V FLOOR
WASHINGTON, July 12.?Although State Department officials virtually are convinced that the German submarine Deutseliland is strictly a merchant vessel, the advice of the neutrality board probably will be sought before a final ruling is made. Acting Secretary Polk indicated today that the ruling would not be delayed and may be announced tomorrow. It is understood he considers that  There is nothing lacking to establish the Dentschland's status as a peaceful merchantman, and desires to consult the neutrality board only in order to give added weight to the department's formal decision. 