East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1915-05-31

BERLIN, May S1.-Germany with
holds its final decision on the de-
mands advanced by the United states
government In connection with the
sinking OF the Lusitania until the re-
celpt OF an answer from the United
states 10 the note which Herr Won ia.
gov, the foreign minister, has deliv-
cred 10 Ambassador Gerard, in reply
TO the American note received by the
German government on May 10.
In its reply the German govern
ment declares that It is not its inten'
ton 10 submit neutral ships In the
war zone. which are guilty Of no hos
tile acts, 10 attack by submarines or
aeroplanes; that II is investigating the
circumstances In connection with the
attacks on the American steamers
Cushing and Gulfllght and that in al
cases where neutral vessels, through
no fault OF their own. have been dam
aged. Germany will pay indemnifica-
tlon.
destruction Of Ammunition Upheld.
The reply urges that in the case
of the Lusltania. which Germany al
leges was armed and carried large
stores Of war munitions. It was act
ing in Justified self-defense in seek
ing with all the means Of warfare az
its disposal TO protect the lives OF It's
soldlers by destroying ammunition IN
tended for the enemy"
The German Note.
The full text of the imperial gov
ernment's reply to the American pro-
test Is as follows:
"The undersigned has the honor 10
submit 10 Ambassador Gerard the
following answer to the oommunica-
tlon Of May rs, regarding the injury
to American interests through Ger
man submarine warfare:
"The imperial government has SUD-
iected the communication OF the
American government to a thorough
investigation 1t entertains also
keen wish to cooperate In frank
and friendly way in clearing up d
posslble Misunderstanding which may
have arisen in the relations between
the two governments through the
events mentioned by the American
government.
Gushing and Gulflight Taken Up.
''Regarding, firstly, the cases OF the
American steamers Gushing and GuiI-
light;
oThe American embassy has al
ready been informed that the German
government has no intention OF SUD-
hitting neutral ships in the war zone
which are guilty Of no hostile acts
70 attacks by submarine or subma-
rines. or aviators. On the contrary
the German forces have repeatedly
been instructed most specifically 10
avoid attacks on such ships,
IF neutral ships in recent months
have suffered through the German
submarine warfare owing to mistakes
in Identification, II Is a question only
of quite isolated and excepuonal
cases. which can be attributed to the
British governments abuse of flags'
together with the suspicious or Gull
pable behavior Of the masters of the
ships.
Appcal 70 The Hague Suggested.
'-The German government, in all
cases In which It has been shown by
its Investigations that a neutral ship
not itself at fault, was damaged by
German submarines or aviators, has
expressed regret over the unfortunate
accident. and, II justified by condi-
tons. has offered indemnification.
The cases Of the Gushing and the
Gulflght will be treated on the same
principles. An investigation OF both
cases is in progress. the result OF
which will presently be communicated
to the embassy. The investigation
can, IL necessary, be supplemented by
an international call on the interna>
tlonal commission Of inquiry, as pro-
vlded by article III OF The Hague
agreement OF october IS, 1907.
Falaba's Captain Blamed.
when sinking the British steamer
Falaba, the commander Of the Ger
man submarine had the intention OF