Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1915-02-26
BRITAIN AND GERMANY REPLY TO WILSON,
oERMANY's ANSWER TO U. s.
PROTEST INSISTS BLOCKADE
is NECESSARY.
URGES CONVOY FOR SHIPS
Kaiser 10 Ready to Confer on Safety
Plans-Commanders Told to Use
Vigilance to Spare American Boats
Objects 10 Sending Arms to Allies.


Berlin, Germany (via London), Feb.
20.-The reply of Germany to the pro-
test of the United States against a
blockade of British waters is couched
in the most friendly terms. but firmly
maintains the position Of Germany
as already announced. The answer,
which is a long document, was con-
verted into code at the United States
embassy ander the direction OF Am
bassador Gerard and on Thursday was
transmitted in full to Washington.
The note explains that Germany's
proposed action is rendered necessary
by Great Britain 6 policy of attempt
ing to cut off the food supply for the
German civil population by a method
never recognized in international law,
England's course in ordering mer-
chantment to fly neutral flags and
equipping them with artillery, with or
ders to destroy submarines. the Ger
man reply contends, renders nugatory
the right of search.
Germany holds that che cannot
abandon that right under the stress
which England has put upon her.
Since Germany must compel the
nations with which she is at wal to
return to the recognized principles of
international la v and restore the free
dom of the seas. she argues that the
stand she has AIKEN is necessary.
The note recommends that the
United States government send a
ships to England to convoy merchant
vessels through the danger zone, with
the understanding that vessels thus
guarded shall carry no war supplies.
Hope Is expressed that the Ameri-
can government win understand the
position in which Germany has been
placed and appreciate the reasons for
its course.
The reply closes with an expression
of the hope that the United States
may prevail on Great Britain ito re.
turn to the principles OF international
law recognized prior to the outbreak
Of the war" and in particular obtain
the observance of the declaration OF
London by belligerents opposed to
Germany. II this is done, the note
explains, Germany would be enabled
to import food supplies and raw ma
terials. Germany would recognize
this. says the reply. an invaluable
service toward a more humane con
duet OF the war and would act ia &C
cordance with the new situation thus
created.
Great Britain is, with the federation
Of neutral governments, not only sup
piled with such goods as are moi
c~ontraband, but with goods which are
regarded by Great Britain. If sent tc
Germany. as absolute contraband.
The German government feels itsel
obliged to point out with The creates
emphasis that : traffic In arms, esti
mated at many hundreds of millions
is being carried on between United
States firms and Germany's enemies.
II 1t Is a formal right of neutrals Il
take no steps to protect their legiti
mate trade with Germany, and evel
to allow themselves to be influence,
In the direction of the conscious an
willful destruction of their trad. o.
the other hand they have the perfec
right. which they unfortunately do no
exercise, to cease contraband trade
especially in arms, with Germany
enemies.
Germany is ready to deliberate wit
the United States concerning an
measure which might secure tn
! safety Of legitimate shipping of ne,
trails in the war zone. rr,r