The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-02-06

lives OF nome ombatants in the execu-
lion Of this policy may bring the United
States into the matter II Americans are
victims.
u. g. May Have to step In.
There is disposition to question very
seriously the position announced by Ger
many in regard to the liability OF neutral
shipping to destruction There is rea-
son TO believe that unless a reassurlng
statement IL made by Germany with
regard TO this phase Of her new policy
II may become necessary for the United
States 10 take up the subject seriously
with the Berlin Government. This phase
Of the matter is covered in the following
paragraph OF the German Governments
announcement:
Also neutral ships In the war zone
are in danger as, in consequence or the
misuse OF neutral flags ordered by the
British Government on January 81 and
in view OF the hazards of naval warfare
u cannot always he avoided that attacks
meant for enemy ships endanger neutral
ships"
The German Government has taken a
position for which absolutely no prece-
dent is found in international law. II is
unheard of for n bellgerent Government
70 propose to take vengeance on neutral
vessels because II has reason to believe
that belligerent vessels are sailing under
false colors by using neutral flags to
conceal their real nationality. In the
frst place the United states is no, aware
that the British Government did order
its vessels to use neutral flags, but even
II there were such an order 1t IL not ad-
mitted here that II would AFFORD warrant
for the German Governments wholesal lie
threat against neutral shipping. In other
words, the possibility Of abuse and even
It's actual existence does not furnish
justification, according To opinion here.
for the assumption that all vessels flying
neutral flags are belligerent vessels In
disguise.
Little Ground for Doubt.
II Is pointed out that in a majority of
cases II Is very easy for naval COM
manders to determine whether a vessel
10 entitled to the flag she carries. Only
in case Of recent transfers should there
be any doubt in the mind of searching
officer that the vessel Is entitled to fly "A
neutral nag. A ships papers, II is de-
clared, make clear beyond reasonable
doubt what is and what has been her
nationality, so that with the single ex-
ception of ships transferred since the
outbreak of the war there is ordinarily
no ground for question
Since tho Germans appear to assume
that II Is impossible for their vessels 90
determine the belligerent or neutral
character of vessel flying neutral
nag II Is concluded here Il is not the in
tention to have her naval officers make
a search and examination of the ship :
papers In each case. From this tho in
ference Is drawn that only submarines
are to be used in the operations to com,
and that vessels will be torpedoed II
need hardly be mentioned that the cas-
OF an American vessel accidentally or
otherwise treated In this way will be
sufhcient to raise the graveSt possible is.
sues.
Furthermore. the statement In the
German announcement that at cannot
always be avoided that attacks meant
for enemy ships endanger neutral ships''
is not admitted here as sound or reason
able. What Justification the German
Government Is prepared 10 advance for
this statement. calculated to inspire in
every neutral shipmaster fear of enter
ing the waters named lest he be the
victim OF attacks meant for enemy
ships Is matter OF considerable in
terest in Washington.
Difference In Policies.
II Is contended in some quarters tina,
the German statement was identical
with those vi Great Britain earlier in
the war announcing the virtual closing
OF portions OF the North Sea to general
traffic Important differences exist. how
ever, between the action OF the two
Governments. Great Britain made he,
announcement because OF the placing OF
mines In these waters and not with re.
speot to any policy of destructive often.
stve operations
More important still the British Gov
eminent placed at the disposition OF al
neutral shipping using these water.
Government pilots qualified to take YES
sells through the area in question with
out danger Of destruction. Germany Il
making no such offer. Much less wa!
there any threat on the part of England
that neutral vessels might become tn,
victims OF attack designed for enemy
vessels. Great Britain warned neutral
Chat they would enter certain areas a
their own risk. but offset this by provid
Ing means OF safe passage.
There seems to be no escape from
the conclusion that Germany is tryinI
TO bring about cessation OF all ocear
traffic with Great Britain. This is s
bslligerent right. but II Is provided n
the accepted rules OF war that Il mus
be done by a blockade. the rules o
which are definitely laid down. Will.
IL IL doubted II the German Admiralt,
can actually make IL as dangerous TO
vessels in British waters as the an
nouncement would indicate, n IL no
doubted that tho possibility of do
snrpction will servo to make ships ex
ccmely wary about venturing int,
these waters.
The United states Protest.
Tho United States Government ma
protested 20 0weak2, Britain that fea
of seizure and delay has been a de
torrent TO American shipping, and
seems certain that protest will b
made TO Germany against the intimida
ton OF American shipping by hints o
actual destruction.
The right of all neutrals 10 trad
with Great Britain is indlsputable unit
the German Government establishes a
effective blockade OF the British coast:
as was done by the United States wit
respect TO the Confederacy Yet It
believed that the German hints of de
struotion may have the same erfec
by inducing shippers not 10 exercis
their unquestioned right for fear O
loss of ships and cargoes. Washingto
officials await with much interest indi
cation Of the manner In which ship
ping interests other than those am
Hated with the British will view tn
German announcement