The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-02-12
WILL NOT PERMIT MENACE
TO LIVES OF AMERICANS
POSITION OF U. s. REGARDING
SEA ZONES STATED
EMPHATICALLY.
Calls Attention of Both Countries
to Dangers That Confront
All Parties.

WASHINGTON. D. c., Feb. ~.
Publication by the State Depart
uent tonight Of the texts OF the
notes sent yesterday to Great
Britain and Germany, respective
W, revealed that both countries
had been warned In most emphst-
ie terms against nenaelna the
vessels or lives Of American eitI-
zens traverslng the recently pro-
claimed sea zones Of war.
Germany was advised that the
United States would be con-
strained TO hold the imperial Ger
man government TO a strict ac-
eountability" for such acts OF it's
naval authorities as might result
IN the destruction Of American
vessels or the loss OF American
lives, and that "if such a deplor-
able situation should arise" the
American government would stake
any steps IL might be necessary
TO take TO safeguard American
lives and property"
To Great Britain the United
States pointed out ''the measure
Of responsibility" which would
seem 20 be imposed on the British
government 'for the loss Of Amer
lean vessels and lives In case OF
an attack by a German naval
force" " England sanctioned the
general misuse Of the American
flag by British vessels, and there
by cast doubt upon the valid char
aeter Of neutral ensions.
The two communications were 10
have been presented today respec-
lively to the British government by
Page and the German
foreign Office by Ambassador Gerard
They were prepared by Counsellor
Robert Lansing and reviewed by
President Wilson and Secretary Bry.
an after consultation with the entire
cabinet.
Diplomats Given Copies.
The British, Spanish and Brazilian
who happened to call
a the stats department. were given
copies of the notes. as were the min
isters OF Sweden. Norway and Den
mark. who specially requested II. The
CREATED something of a
sensation among the diplomats gem
orally because Of what some regarded
as their drastic implications. High
officials OF the American government
pointed out informally that It had been
deemed advisable to speak in unmis.
terms now rather than 70
await the alarming effect upon Amer
lean public opinion which might en-
sue from the sinking of a vessel with
scores OF American citizens. The
notes. officials we're confident, would
serve as preventative of the critical
possibilities discussed I'm them.
Diplomats examined with great in
terest the language OF the communica
tions and some Of them construed the
note to Germany as a warning thai
the loss Of American lives by sinkinl
even belligerent merchant shiI
would be covered by the representa-
tions OF the American government be
cause Of the insistence that all msr
chants ships must be visited and
crews and passengers taken or before
ships can be sunk.
In discussing the notes today, off
cials pointed out that the representa-
tiOns to Great Britain were not based
specifically on the use by the Lusi
tania OF the American flag or any
other ship because II was not a rare
ruse of war to hoist n neutral mas
when escaping capture and vessels o
both sides, among the belligerents IL
the present war had meen such mis-
use OF them as had American vessels
In previous wars. The distinction EN-
phasized was that aside from the pro
priety which was reserved for futur,
discussion. general misuse OF a neu
trail nag by belllgerent, was a VIC
latiOn OF international comfy an,
neighbOrliness. liable 20 produc,
much dangers for the neutrals. y,
rule OF international law exist
against the practice. officials added
but the United States construes IL a.
a moral obligation upon belligerent
% avoid the general use OF neutra
hags. particularly under circumstance
a. now exist.
Purely International Law.
A. for the communication will
Germany officials said they were act
ing under specifically recognized prin
ciples of international law in poinfini
out the dangers 20 American citizen
(conttnusd on Page Tsn)