The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1915-02-18

London, Feb 1s-The blockade of the United
Kingdom by Germany is on What will be the effect
of Germanys declaration will take day or two to
demonstrate Passenger traffic to Holland is suspend
ed. Cross channel services announced their sched-
ules would be maintained as usual.
In the meantime, Britain awaits the announce
ment of the governments retaliatory measures.
An official communication from Vienna says the
Russians were defeated in Bukowina. The Austrlans
occupied Kolomea.
Fourteen members of the crew of zeppelin
which was destroyed over Fance island by explos-
ion, were rescued and will be interned by the Danish
authorities. The zeppelin destroyed was one of the
largest III commission. 1t was $50 feet long.
The immediate effect of the German Submarine
blockade of the British isles beginning today, tied up
all passenger traffic from England to Holland. The
scandinavian lines, however not yet efected.r
Both the iceland and Batavier lines cancelled all
passenger service to Holland although they con-
tnuing freight and mail service
Berlin, Feb. 18-( (yia. London): The reply of
Germany to the protest of the United States against
the blockade of British waters is couched In the most
friendly terms, but firmly maintains the position OF
Germany as already announced.
The answer, which is lengthy document, con-
verted into code at the United States embassy under
direction of Ambassador Gerard, has been transmit
ted in full to Washington
The note explains that Germany's proposed ac-
tion rendered necessary by Great Britain policy
of attempting to cut off the food supply for the Ger
civil population by method recognized in
international law
Englands course in ordering merchantmen to fly
neutral flags, equipping them with artillery with or
ders to destroy submarines the German reply says,
renders nucaory the right of search thus giving Ger
many the right to attack English shipping
Germany holds she cannot abandon that right
under stress which England forces upon her.
Since Germany must compel the nations with
which she is at war to return to the recognized prn
cpes of international law and restore the freedom OF
SEAS she argues the stand she has taken is necessary
The note recommends that the United States gov
ernment send warships to England to convoy
chant vessels through the danger zone as security
against attack with the understanding that the vessels
thus guarded shall carry supplies. The hope
is expressed that the American government will un-
derstand the position in which Germany has been
placed and appreciate the reasons for its course.
The reply closes with expression of hope that
the United States may prevail upon Great Britain ito
return to the principles of international law recogniZ
ed prior to the outbreak of war; and in particular OBJ
tain the observance of the London declaration by the
Begerents opposed to Germany. III this is DONE the
note (explains) Germany will be enabled to import
food supplies and raw materials Germany would re-
the war more humane conduct of the war, and would
act in accordance with the situation thus created
Count Won Reventelow the German naval critic
comments on the answer of the German government,
declaring the tone OF the reply despite the tone of the
American communication, shows Germany is prepar-
ed to go to the utmost limits compatible with the sit
uation No fault can be found with the declaration In
the German answer which says, the German govern
ment like the American desires to prevent occurren-
~, e.