New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-07-10
German Reply Lays Down Conditions
On Which IT, S. Citizens May 7raDel;
Washington Feels Crisis Is Qt Hand


guilty before God and history of the violation Of those pn
ces of highest humanity which the foundation OF every
national existence
The of the Lutania shows with horrible clearness
to what jeopardzng of human lives the Of con-
ductng employed by adversares leads In the
direct contradiction of international law all distinctions
between merchantmen and vessels have been berated
by the order British merchantmen to themselves and
submarines and the promise of rewards therefor,
and neutras who merchantmen travellers thereby
have exposed increasing degree all the dangers
Of
If the commander of the German submarine which de-
sroyed the Luana had caused the and to
take the boats before firing torpedo this would have
meant the sure destruction of his vessel After the
experiences in sinking much smaller and less seaworthy
vessels it be expected that mighty ship like the
Lusania would remain above water long enough, even
after the torpedong, permit to enter the
ships boats Circumstances of very peculiar kind,
pecay the presence board of large quantities of highly
explosive materials (word omitted, possibly "dissipaedO
this expectation addition may be pointed out that if
the usana had been spared thousands of of muni
tons would have Germanys enemies and there
by thousands of German mothers and children robbed of
breadwnners.
In the spirit of friendship wherewth the German nation
has been mbued toward the Union and its inhabitants since
the earliest days of its existence the Imperial Government
will always be ready do all it during the present war
also to the eopardzng of lives of American citizens
The Imperial therefore repeats the
that American ships will be hindered in the prosecution
of legitimate shipping and the lives of American citizens In
neutral vessels shall not be placed in jeopardy
In order to exclude any unforeseen dangers Ameri
can steamers made possible Of the conduct
of maritime war by Germanys adversares German sub
will be instructed permit the free and safe passage
of such passenger when made recognizable by
special markings and notified reasonable time in advance
The Imperial Government however, confidently hopes that
the American Government will to guarantee that
these vessels have conraband board details OF
ranpemens for hampered passage of these vessels to
be agreed upon by the naval authorities of both sides.
In order to furnish adequate facilities for travel
the Atlantic for American citizens the German Government
submits for consideration proposal to increase the number
of available steamers by installing passenger service
reasonable number of neutral steamers under the American
aae the exact number be agreed upon under the
conditions as the above mentioned American steamers
The Imperial Government believes it that in
this manner adequate facilities for travel the Atlantic
Ocean can be afforded American citizens There would,
therefore, appear be compelling necessity for American
citizens travel to Europe time OF war on ships carrying
an enemy flag In particular the Imperial Government is
unable to admit that American citizens protect
ship through the fact of their presence board
Germany merely followed Eng lands example when she
declared part the high of Consequently
accidents suffered by neutras ships in this area OF
war cannot well be Judged differently from accidents to
which all times exposed at the seat of
land when they betake themselves into dangerous localities
in spite of previous warnings IT, however, should not be
possible for the American Government to require ade
ouae number Of neutral Steamers the Imperial
Government prepared to nterpoe objection to the
placing under the American flag by the American Govern
men enemy passenger steamers for traffic
between North America and England Assurances of free
and safe" passage for American steamers would
then extend apply under the identical procondons to
these formerly hostile passenger steamers
The President of the United States has declared his
readiness way deserving of thanks to communicate and
suggest proposals the Government of Great Britain with
particular reference the alteration of maritime The
Imperial Government will always be glad to make of the
good Offices of the President and hopes that his efforts
the case well the direction of the lofty ideal
of the freedom of the seas, will lead to understanding
Undersigned requests the Ambassador to bring the
above the knowledge of the American Government and
avas himself of the opportunity to to His Exceency
the of his distinguished consideration
Won JAGOW.