Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-05-31
Declares Submarine Comman-
derS Are Instructed to
Avoid Torpedoing Ships Of
Neutral Countries,
WILL INDEMNIFY FOR
LOSSES WHEN TO BLAME
Suggests Reference of Some
Phases of Disagreement 10.
The Hague Tribunal for
Arbitration,

Berlin. May 30--Germany with
holds its final decision on the de-
mands advanced by the United States
government in connection with the
sinking Of the I.usitania, until the re-
eeipt of an answer from the United
States 10 the note which Herr Won Ja-
gov, the foreign minister. has deliv-
cred TO Ambassador Gerard, in reply
to the American note received by the
German government on MAY s.
In its reply the German government
declares that 1t is not its intention to
submit neutral ships in the war zone
which are guilty OF no hostile acts. to
attacks By submarines, or aeroplanes;
that it is investigating the circum-
stances in connection with the attacks
on the American steamers Cushing
and Gulflight. and that in all cases
where neutral vessels through no
fault of their own have been dam
aged Germany will pay ndemnifica-
ton.
The reply urges that ia The case of
the Lusitana, which Germany alleges
was armed and carried large stores Of
war munitions il was "aeting IN justi-
fled self-defcnse in seeking with all
protect the lives Of It's soldiers by de-
stroying ammunition intended for the
enemy"
The German government recalls the
proposals submitted by the United
States government to Berlin and Lon-
don, designed to end the submarine
warfare and the shutting out of food
supplies from Germany which. Il de-
claros failed Of their purpose because
Of the refusal of the British govern
ment to agree to them.
The text Of the German note was
made public today
Text of German Reply.
The following is the text of the
German note.
The undersigned has the honor TO
submit 60 Ambassador Gerard the
following answer to the communion
ton of May lj, regarding the injury
TO American interests through Ger
man warfare;
The imperial government has sub
jected the communication Of the
American government to thorough
investigation. It entertains keen
wish to cooperate in Il frank and
friendly way in clearing up posi-
BILE misunderstanding which may have
arisen in the relations between the
two governments through the events
mentioned by the American govern
ment.
Regarding, first, the cases of the
American steamers Cushing and Gul-
flight, the American embassy has
already been informed that the Ger
man government has no intention OF
neutral ships in the war
zone which are guilty of no hostile
acts, TO attacks by a submarine or
submarines, or aviators. ON the con-
trary, the German forces have re-
peatedly been instructed most spccl-
cally to avoid attacks on such ships
IL neutral ships in recent months
have suffered through the German
submarine warfare. owing to mis-
takes in Identification, il is a question
only of isolated and exceptional cases,
which can be attributed to the British
governments abuse OF flags. together
with the suspicious or culpable be
hayiOr Of the masters Of the ships.
The German government, in all |
cases in which it has been shown by |
it's investigations that neutral ship |
not itself at fault, was damaged by
German submarines or aviators, has
expressed regret over the unfortunate |
accident, and, II justified by condi- 4
lions, has offered indemnification
The cases of the Cushing and Gul- |
flight will be treated on the same I
An investigation OF both |
eases is in progress. the result of /
which will presently be communicated /
10 the embassy
Suggests reference 60 Hague.
The Investigation can, If necessary. /
be supplemented by call on the in
commission of Inquiry, as
provided by article III of The Hague
agreement OF october Is. 1907.
When sinking the British steamer
the commander of the Ger
man submarine had the intention OF
the passengers and crew a
'ul opportunity for safe escape
only when the master did not obey
he order to heave to- but fled and
help by rocket signals, dld I
he German commander order the
rev and passengers by signals and
to leave the ship within
EN- minutes. lie actually allowed /
hem twenty-three minutes time and
'ired the torpedo only when suspicious
raft were fastening to the assistance
If the Falaba.
Cool Statement on Lusitania.
Regarding the loss of life by thel'