Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-07-21
Future Loss of American Lives
Will Be Regarded as ''Un-
friendly Act"
GOVERNMENTS AGREED
ON PRINCIPLES IN CASE
Germany's Proposals of Immunity
for Vessels Not Carrying Contra
band Will Be Refused.

The United States has decided to in
form the German government that further
loss of American lives as a result of Ger
man submarine warfare in contravention
OF the principles of international law will
be regarded as an unfriendly act.
The discussion of principles is virtually
ended. The American government will
now warn Germany of the Interpretation
it will place on future transgressions of
American rights.
In the new note the United States as
sumes that Germany has already ad-
mitted the principle that passengers
must be removed to place of safety
before destroying an unresisting mer-
chairman as prize.
Agreed in Principle.
Taking the position, therefore, that
the two governments are agreed in
principle, the United States views it
as incumbent upon Germany to make
her submarine practice conform with
the accepted principles Of international
law. Any deviation in actual practice
resulting in the loss of American lives,
it is then pointed out, will be viewed
as an unfriendly act.
he dCtiOH winch the CnlCeQ states
might subsequently take is not indi-
Gated, but in diplomatic usage the
phrase "unfriendly act has always
carried with it an implication of final
ity leading often to severance of
friendly relations.
officials Secretive.
Off1cials generally were secretive con-
corning the treatment of the Lusitania
case in the new note, but it was be-
lieved the request for reparation would
BIS renewed, and that this issue would
be renewed, and that this issue would
ernments as a subject of first impor-
lance in their future relations.
Will Reject Proposals.
The note will reject Germany's pro-
posals that American vessels be given
complete immunity when not carrying
contra band and for the transfer to
American registry of four belligerent
vessels for transatlantic traffic provid-
ed they did not carry contra band.
Again the American government will
reiterate its willingness to act as an
intermediary in adjusting the interests
OF belligerents on the high seas, but
will make it clear that so far as Ameri-
to be COMPOUNDED with the practices of
reprisals Of one belligerent against an
other.
The note probably will be finished to-
morrow or Friday. Cabinet officers to-
day believed it would be unnecessary
to discuss it at another cabinet meet
ing. and predicted that the communi-
cation would surely be on its way to
Berlin by Friday at the latest.
Secretary Lansing was today per-
by the United States on submarine
warfare. The character and purposes
of the communication had been agreed
upon at yesterdays cabinet meeting,
and all that remained today was to
put it in shape for transmission to
Berlin.
Just when the communication will be
dispatched to Germany is not known,
but it will not be delayed because of
the German submarine attack on the
British liner Orduna Oficial informa-
ton as to the circumstances of the at
tack still was awaited at the State De-
partment today.
Secretary Lane called at the White
House last night and had a long con-
ference with the President.
To Uphold United States Dignity.
The cabinet meeting yesterday was
devoted to an extent to a discussion
of what the American people really
wanted the Washington government to
say and do in the present crisis. So
far as the cabinet officers could Judge
by their examination of public express
sion the nation had voiced an insistent
desire that the honor and dignity of
the United States be upheld in the
correspondence with Germany. but
that course should be followed which
would maintain peace.
On Germany's next reply and the
capitalization of public opinion there
after will depend to a large extent. ac-
cording to intimations from officials
what the action of tho United States
will be concerning future violations Of
American rights.