Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-03-03
READY TO ACCEPT NEARLY
ALL OF U. S. PROPOSALS
Germany Excerpts One, Which Would
Restrict Use Of Anchored Mines
Only for Defense.
MAY GIVE UP FLOATING MINES
Under Certain Conditions It's Sub
marines Will Halt and Investi-
gate Merchantmen-Aban
of Use OF Neutral Flags Presumed.

BERLIN, March 2 (via London).--In
Its reply to the American note con-
corning the German naval war zone,
the German government AYERS that,
under certain conditions, its subma-
rines Will halt and investigate mer-
chantmcn. and will proceed against
only such vessels as are found to be
CARRYING contraband or are owned in
nations hostile to Germany
Tho reply declared Germany's readt-
ness TO accept virtually all of the
American proposals, except the one
which would restrict the use of
anchored mines to purely defensive
purposes. The German government ex-
presses the belief that belligercnts can
not AFFORD to abandon entirely the use
or anchored mines for offensive opera
lions. 1t Ia willing to consider the
abandonment OF floating mines
PnEsUPPosEs ABANDONMENT
OF USE OF NEUTRAL FLAGS
In case German submarines take
action. after investigation against
, merchantmen carrying contraband or
owned In hostile countries. it Is agreed
that such action will be in accordance
with the general rules Of jnterna tional
law. This presupposes, however, the
abandonment of the use of neutral
flags by merchantmen OF hostile nations
or the arming Of such merchantmen.
IT such tactics were employed. Ger
many contends. it would be Impossible
TO restrict the operations of submarines
In this manner.
The reply suggests that there be
constituted I'm the countries concerned
American commissions, to which such
supplies OF foodstuffs for the use of
civilian populations could be consigned
This plan. II IS said. la contemplate
In the American proposals. The reply
also suggests that these commissions
should be allowed to import and CON
troll the distribution Of other articles
especially fodder which are on the
conditional contraband list in the De.
claratiion of London. Germany states
that interference with articles on the
absolute free list in the Declaration of
London should be abandoned
IMPRESSED ny SPIRIT
OF ABSOLUTE FRANKNEss
What most impressed us In tho
American note was the evident spirit
or absolute fairness I'm which the
American government approached the
w oDictli, It's utSlrC 10 propose
, solution which could be accepted by
both sides" said a high official of the
German government to-day.
I'VE endeavored in the reply to fol-
low the same rule. The notifications
we suggested are inspired by the desire
TO round out and complete the Ameri-
can proposals.
I'VE arc sure, for instance, that the
American government would have in
serted the clause covering armed mer-
chantmen II this subject had occurred
TO them. The reservation regarding
the offensive use Of anchored mines Is
justified by The Hague conventions.
which expressly authorize such pro-
cedure. and even therein 1t will be
noticed that our note says only that
we cannot renounce completely the
uso Of such mines
The government Is convinced that
the American proposals furnish an nc
ceptable basis for practical solution
OF the present difficulties and problems
OF the maritime situation"