The farmer and mechanic., 1915-09-21
EVIDENCE FROM u. S.
CONSIDERED CAREFULLY
official Tells Associated Press
Again That Passenger Ships
Respecting Maritime Code
viii Not Be Torpedoed With
out Warning By Submarines,
Empire Behind Policy
(By the Associated Press) :.


Berlin Sept 1S.-FOreign Minister
Won Iagow said in an interview with
the Associated Press last night that
Germany could not we'll repudiate the
report of the commander of the sub
marine which sank the Arabic; new
crtheless. there was room for a diff
ference of opinion and Germany
would examine carefully the evidence
from Washington.
lie repeated the assurance that
enemy passenger steamers which re-
spected the maritime code would not
be attacked without warning, saying
explicit directions had been given the
submarine commanders and asserted
the whole German government stood
behind this policy
To Settle Question.
In his statement the foreign minis
ter went fully into the present status
of the submarine problem. He eX-
pressed complete confidence that, in
view of the Instructions which had
been given and the precautions now
being taken, the possibility of fur
ther disturbing incidents in connec-
tion with the submarine campaign
had been virtually eliminated.
Germany, he said, would participate
willingly in the negotiations now be-
Ing taken up in Washington and
hOpeS IOr the most satisfactory re-
suits therefrom.
May Use Arbitration.
Concerning the Arabic case he said
We hope that our offer to refer
the case to The Hague for adjudica-
tion will provide satisfactory set
tlement, in case the United States and
Germany are not able to adjust the
question by direct negotiations. We
could not, you will admit, we'll go be
q n m
our submarine, or question his homes
belief, based on the Arabic'A action:
that the British captain was planning
TO attack his craft, particularly a!
long as we had against it only pres:
reports and the word of the British
captain. And in this case the master
and owners Of the ship which dis
carded it's peaceful character~as un
fortunately British ships repeated.
have done, and assumed the role o
aggressor. should be held responsible
for the loss of life, not Germany.
Opinions Differ.
There may be room for honest diff
ference of opinion on this point, how
ever, and we are perfectly willin
thoroughly to examine the summar
of evidence which the American gov
ernment has transmitted to us.
las to the larger question of sub
marine warfare the attitude of Ger
many is perfectly clear. Enemy pas
Sengers steamers will not be Subjecte
TO attack without warning, provide
they respect the regular martini
code, and will be sunk only when OK
portunity for safety of passengers an
crew is given. Instructions to Gel
man submarine commanders on tn
point are very precise and dehnit
II rests very largely now with OIL
opponents, therefore, to provide tf
necessary remaining safeguards II
voyages by instructing masters
avoid suspicious or hostile actions
attempt at flight.
Merchantmen Exempt.
Neutral merchantmen, includil
Americans are exempt from interfe
ence. as stated long ago, except wh'
carrying contraband and will then
destroyed only under the cOnditio
laid down in the international CO.
concerning maritime warfare, wh'
provision is made for the safety
those aboard.
We desire no diScOrdS in our I
iations with America. but continuan n
OF the old course of friendship. WI
no further incidents to trouble it.
The government-the whole go
ernment--is agreed upon the inStru
uons TO submarine commanders whl
as | said, are very precise and de
mite, and our submarine officers ha
been impressed with the necessity
carrying them out in letter and
spirit
The limitation of activities of o
submarines has not been carrl
through without certain resistance
our public opinion, for, 2s you knO
the whole nation takes keen inter