Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-06-03
GERMANY'S REPLY TO THE AMERICAN NOTE

at is further known to the imperial government from
trustworthy reports from it's agents and passengers,
that for considerable time practically all the valuable
British merchantmen have been equipped with cannon and
ammunition and other weapons and manned with persons
who have been specially trained in serving The usi
tana according to information received here, had
aboard which mounted and concealed below decks
"The imperial government further, has the honor to
direct the particular attention of the American government
to the fact that the British admiralty in confidential in
strucon. issued in February, 1915, recommended it's
camille shipping not only to seek protection under neutral
flags and distinguishing maks but also while thus dis
gulsed, to attack German submarines by ramming. AS
special inctation destroy submarines the British gov
eminent also offered high prizes and has already paid such
rewards.
CARRIED TROOPS AND CONTRABAND.
'The imperial government in view of these facts in
dubitaby known to it. is unable to regard British
chantmen in the zone naval operations specified by the
admiralty staff Of the German navy undefended Ger
commanders consequently longer able to observe
the customary regulations of the prize law which they be-
fore always followed
"Fnally the imperial government must point out par
ticulary that the Lustana its last trip, earlier
Guiding less than 5400 of ammunition intended for
the destruction Of the brave German soldiers who full
filling their duty with selfsacrfce and devotion in the
fatherlands service.
THE German government believes that it acting
in justified self defense seeking with all the of
warfare at its disposition to protect the lives of its soldiers
by destroying ammunition intended for the enemy
"The British shipping company must have been aware
of the danger which the passengers aboard the Lustania
exposed under these conditions The company in
barking them, Notwithstanding this attempted deliberate
y to the lives of American citizens protection for the
ammunition aboard and acted against the clear provisions
IF the American law which expressly prohibits the for
wardng of passengers ships carrying ammunition and
provides penalty therefor The therefore, is
wantony guilty of the death of so many passengers
AMMUNITION EXPLODED.
There be doubt according the definite report
of the submarines commander which is further confirmed
by all other information that the quick sinking of the Ls
ana is primarily attributable to the explosion of the
munition shipment caused by torpedo The Lustanas
passengers would otherwise in all human probability have
been saved
"The imperial government considers the above
toned facts important enough to recommend them tn,
attentive examination of the American government.
"1he imperial government while withholding it's final
decision the demands advanced in connection with the
sinking of the Lusitania until receipt of from the
American government feels mpeled in conclusion to recall
here and that it took cognzance with satisfaction
the medatory proposals submitted by the United States
eminent to Berlin and London basis for modus vvendi
for conducting the maritime warfare between Germany and
Great Britain. The imperial government by its readiness
to enter upon discussion of these proposals. then demon
straed its good intentions in ample fashion The reaza
ton of these proposals defeated is we'll known by
the declnatory attitude of the British government.
"The undersigned takes occasion, ct cetera
"JAGOW'