The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-07-24
Text of Last Note to Ger many Strongest Pro- n0uncement Yet to Come From Washington
GERMANY ALREADY ADMITS SUBMARINE
 POLICY IS ILLEGAL
J.S. Will Stand for Freedom of the Seas and Will Not Permit Violation Thereof From Any Quarter

Washington, July 23.-The American note on submarine warfare, presented at Berlin today by Ambassador Gerard, kas made public here tonight. It reveals that Germany has been informed it is the inten- ion of the United States to re- gard as deliberately un- riendly' any repetition by German naval commanders of lets in contravention of Amer can rights.
 The United States announces 1t will
 ntinue to contend for the freedom of
 seas, from whatever quarter vio-
 ed. without compromise at any cost.''
 n official and diplomatic quarters the
 nmunication was viewed as the strong
 and most emphatic pronouncement
 the Washington government since the
 Einning of it's correspondence with the
 sopean beliieerents ti
 resident Wilson returned to Cornish.
 H., tonight.
 IS ADMITTED
 PRACTICE ILLEGAL
 n the assumption that Germany al-
 dy has admitted the illegality of her
 ctces by attempting to justify them
 retaliatory moves against Great Brit
 the United States expresses the be-
 that Germany no longer will ''re-
 n from disavowing the wanton act of
 naval commander in sinking the Lus-
 or from offering reparation for the >merican lives lost, so far as reparation an be made for needless destruction f human life by an Illegal act"
 Referring to the German expression of ope in it's last note that the freedom f the seas may be established in some measure before the end of the war, the nited States declares this object can Se accomplished and invites the practi-, al cooperation of Germany. The Amer tan government adds, moreover, that 1t holds itself ready at any time to act g the common friend who may be privi- eged to suggest a way" to assist in establishing the freedom of the seas
 The German note of July Is declared very unsatisfactory because it fails to meet the real differences between the two overnments and indicates no way in rhich the accepted principles of law and humanity may be applied in the grave natter in controversy, but proposes on he contrary, arrangements for a par al suspension of those principles, which irtually set them aside
 Contending that "the defense of an act hat is retaliatory is an admission that 1t illegal" the United States then argues hat 1t cannot discuss actions of Great britain with Germany and it regards as Irrelevant in the present negotiations mention of the conduct of other belliger- rts.
 NEUTRAL RIGHTS
 MUST BE PROTECTED
 Illegal and inhuman acts" says the ote, however 1ustifiable they may be bought against an enemy who Is believed have acted in contravention of law nd humanity, are manifestly indefen- ibIe when they deprive neutrals of their Acknowledged rights particularly when hey violate the right of life itself"
 Pointing out that beligerent should Five up it's retaliation mea sures, if un- ble to conduct them without injuring he lives of neutrals,' the note declares hat persistence in such measures under he circumstances would constitute a par enable offense against the sovereignty N the neutral nation affected
 ! The United States, 1t is asserted further, lis not unmindful of the extraordinary onditions created by the present war and 5 ready to make every reasonable, al- pwance for these novel and unexpected |spects of war at sea-" but cannot con- lent Ito abate any essential or funda- nental right of its people because of a here alteration of circumstances The note says that events of the two| |nonths clearly indicate that it Is ''pos- 'ible and practicable'' to conduct subma- Hne operations fin substantial accord |Fith the accepted practices of regulated warfare" The comment Is added that the Pwhole world has looked with interest Ind increasing satisfaction" at the dem- 3nstration of this fact by German naval commanders. and that 1t is manifestly possible to lift the whole practice of sub- marine attack above the criticism which k has aroused and remove the chief cause 5f offense