South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-02-18

Sluuh-
BERLIN, Feb. 1S.--Germany's reply
10 the note OF the United States pro-
testing against a submarine blockade
of the British coast sets forth firmly
the position Of Germany but at the
same time the document is cOuched
in cordial terms and shows a spirit of
friendhness towards America The
German reply, which has been trans
mitted to Washington by Ambassador
James w. Gerard. explains that Ger
many's drastic naval policy toward
Great Britain was made necessary by
the attempts of England TO cut off the
food supply Of Germany'S civil popu-
lation.
A summary of the contents Of the
German reply was given out today.
one of the proposals contained in the
document is the suggestion that the
declaration Of London be ratified, In
accordance with a suggestion made
by the United States at the outbreak
of the war. thus enabling Germany
To import fool and raw material
With this ratification, il is pointed out,
Germany would be in a position to
modify her maritime policy.
Express Good VIII.
me German reply Is DeBun with
the following expression Of friendship
toward the United States:
The imperial government has ex-
amined the communication from the
United States government in the same
good viii and friendship by which the
communication seems to have been
dictated.
The imperial government is in ac-
cord with the United States govern
ment in that for both parties IL Is TO a
high degree desirable 10 avoid any
misund erstanGing which might arise
from the measures announced by the
German admiralty. and 10 provide
against the occurrence of incidents
which might trouble the friendly rela-
tions which so far happily exist be-
tween the two governments.
With regard to assuring these
friendly relations. the imperial gov
Crnment believes II may all the more
reckon on a full understanding with
the United States as the procedure
announced by the German admiralty,
which is fully explained in the note OF
Feb. 4, is in no way directed against
the legitimate commerce or legitimate
shipping OF neutrals, but represents
solely a measure OF self defense i'm
posed on Germany by her vital inter
CstS against England's method OF
warfare. which is contrary 20 inter-
national law. which. so far, no pro-
tests ng ntuAldl1 AlhNt NuNNtCAGu HI
bringing back 20 the generally recog
nized principles as they existed before
the outbreak of the war
Avoid War Zone.
Regarding the flag question the
German government recommends that
American ships avoid the war zone
around England. The hope is eX-
pressed that the United states Will
fully respect the struggle OF Germany
ha - r-fl
fully understand and appreciate the
motives which impelled the prOclama-
ton of war zone in English waters.
The German government also sug-
gests that the United States govern
lnent cause all American ships passing
through the war zone waters be recog-
niZed by conveys OF war ships flying
the United States ensign. il is en-
phatiCallv pointed out in this con-
nection that only those ships carry
ing no cOntraband should be con-
NOyed.
Though the German government
inclines TO consider every measure
possible 10 guarantee the shipping OF
neutral nations, there are two cir
cumstances which demand cOnsidera-
tion:
Fyrst the use OF foreign flags by
British merchant ships
second. the carrying Of contrabands
IF war in merchant ships OF neutral
countries.
Refer 90 COntrabands.
I'm regard TO the carrying OF con-
bands in neutral ships the imperial
government expresses the hope that
the United states government viii be
induced 10 observe the conduct which
is in agreement with "a real spirit OF
ueutrality."
(Germany's reference TO the trans
portation OF contrabands Is directed
toward the shipment OF guns ammu-
milton and other war munitions which
have been made 10 England and
France from American ports since the
war broke out)
II is pointed out that Germany gave
ample time Ga days. for neutral
countries 20 prepare TO meet war
zone conditions. In other words the
ships which have sailed for England
since the German proclamation posted
have voluntarily accepted response
tility for the dangers a:tending the
yoyage. The lengthy document Wig
ezOusly defends Germany's present
course throughout