The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-07-11

CASAA Ouy y \Na hOO uy w
The text Of the German note is as follows:
The undersigned has the honor to make the following reply
to his Ercellencv Ambassador Gerard to the note of the 10th
mtimo re the impairment Of American interests By the German
The Imperial Government learned with satisfaction from
the note how earnestly the Government of the United States
is concerned in seeing the principles Of humanity realized in
the present war. Also this appeal finds ready echo in Ger
many, and the Imperial Government is quite willing to permit
Its statements and decisions in the present case to be governed
by the principles Of humanity just as it has done always.
The Imperial Government welcomed with gratitude
when the American Government, in the note of May ID, itself
recalled that Germany had always permitted itself to be gov
erned by the principles Of progress and humanity in dealing
with the law Of maritime war.
Since the time when Frederick the Great negotiated with
John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas jefferson the
Treaty of Friendship and Commerce of September 9, 1885.
between Prussia and the Republic Of the West, German and
American statesmen have. in fact, always stood together in the
struggle for the freedom of the seas and for the protection of
peaceable trade.
RIGHTS OF CAPTURE AT SEA.
In the international proceedings which since have been con-
Quoted for the regulation of the laws of maritime war. Germany
and America have jointly advocated progressive principles,
especially the adjustment of the right Of capture at sea and
the protection of the interests of neutrals.
Even at the beginning of the present war the German Government i'm.
msdhtsiy declared its willingness. in response to proposals. oft the American
Government to raty the Declaration Of London and thereby subject Itself
In the use Of is naval forces to all the restrictions provided therein In favor
Of nsutra
Germany lk.~,.. h. been always ,.n.e.ou. of tn. principle th., war
oo-,s n, from tn, m.s.ur. o, a Tho 1mnsu., Cow ov.,m v .ps1sa :. .H ~
definite hope that some wa will be found when peace is concluded, or per-.
haps earlier. to regulate the law Of maritime wa in a manner guaranteeing
the freedom Of the ssn. and win welcome It with gratitude and satisfaction
II It a work hand in hand with the American Government on that occasion
Denial Of Gull, BY German Government.
II In the present war the principles which should be the ideal of the
future have been traverssd more and more. the longer its duration. the German
Government has n o guilt therein. 1t is known to the American Government
how Gsrmanys adversares, by completely parsly.ng peaceable trabc be.
tween Germany m neutralc countries. have aimed from the very besinninr
and with increasing lack of consideration at the destruction nt &c much Of
the armed forces n $ the life Of the German nation regulating in doing so n N
the rules Of international Ia and dLsregardng all rights Of neutrals.
On November 8 1914. England declared the North Sea q "a area and by
planting poorly anchored mines and by the stoppase and capture of vessels
made passage extremely dangerous and dincult for neutral shipping. and
law. Long before the beginning Of submarine var England practically com.
Germany vas driven to a submarine ~ o trade.
On November II. 1914, the English Premier declared in the IIous. Of
Commons that Il was n Of Enssnds principai. tasks 10 prevent food for
the German population from reaching Germany via neutral PORTS. Since
March England has been taking from neutral ships without further for
malty all merchandise proceeding to Germany. as we'll as all merchandise
coming from Germany. yer when neutralp property. Jus, a. It va also with
the Beers. the German people 10 now to be given the choice Of pershins
from starvation with its women and children, " OF reunqushing IL indie.
pendence.
Submarine Warfare . Necessity.
While III enemies thus loudly and openly proclaimed war wthuot mercy
until ~ utter destruction, W e were conducting a al in sef-defence for or
national existence and Tor the sake of peace Of a assured permanency. We
have been obliged to adopt q submarine warfare 10 meet the declared inten.
lions OF W enemies and the method Of warfare adopted by Them In contra.
venuon OF International law.
With a its efforts in principle to protect neutral life and property from DAM
age a $ much IS possible the German Government recognized unresrvedly In H.,
the submarine warfare. However. the American Government will also under.
afa0d M annpacate hat In thu Auht fe Av.t~cc> vht.k -. 49,. ..