The Washington times., 1915-02-15

action on the part of the German gov-
ernmcnt was delivered to the state De-
partment today by Count Won Bern
storff. the German amba ssador, acting
on instructions from the German i'm
perial government
The United States, IL 1t would pro-
test its ships from attacks by German
submarines, was warned anew that i'm
munity from attack could only be
gained by bringing pressure to bear
on Great Britain to permit food ship
ments on neutral vessels to 80 through
to Germany without seizure.
Failing in this. the United states was
given solemn warning that Germany
will enforce its war zone order after
February Is to the limit Of it's power,
and "in consequence" the note stated,
the German government once more
would earnestly urge neutral ships to
60 around by the north of Scotland.
,Hount Won Bernstorf announced to
this Government Germany's intention
Of disregarding absolutely the demand
made in the recent note of the United
States to Germany that German, war
vessels visit and search merchant ves-
sels before making attack.
Outlining the reasons of his govern
ment for refusing to consider such
action, the German governments note
raised these points:
England's merchant ships have been
armed.
That British merchant ships have
been ordered to go in groups as a mat
ter of defense and offense against sub
marines, and that in consequence the
question of search is impossible.
That English ships have been in
structed to fly the American and other
neutral flags, and the result Is that
all neutral shipping in the war zone
is in danger.
The German note stated explicitly and
with great emphasis that Germany's
war zone decree Is matter of retalia-
ton" for Great Britains assumption Of
the right to seize neutral food caryoes
in carrying out her 'avowed plan to
starve Germany"
Germany's position is that Great Brit
ain has departed from all the rules OF
civilized warfare:' that to meet this sit
uation Germany will retaliate by sink
Ing merchant vessels in the shipping
lanes to Great Britain. and that unless
the United States and other neutrals
wish to avoid this they will exert pres
sure on the British government to force
non-interference with non-contraband
food cargoes
Count Won Bernstorff said that he had
received no confirmation of the reported
suggestion of his government that AM
erican merchant vessels might be per-
mitted to pass through the war zone
without danger Of attack by being ac-
companied by an American naval ves-
sci. he only advices he had received.
ne said. were that the German govern
ment had firmly decided to enforce its
war zone decree by opening submarine
attacks on merchant vessels unless
Great Britain recedes from its position.
The Wilhelmina case, it is pointed cut
by the German government. is the k~y
to the situation. BY inference. the Ger-
man note urges the United States to
take a firm stand in demanding the re-
lease of the Wilhelmna now detained in
England. with its cargo Of foodstuffs
for Germanys' civilian population.
Count Won Bernstorff made It plain
that III" note delivered today was Of
an intermediary chara cter. and was
not to he regarded as Germany's reply
to he recent American protest against
TT va zone decree