The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1915-02-18
Kaiser's Note Explains Dras-
tic Naval Policy Follows
England's Attempt to Cut
Off Food Supply.
FRIENDLY TO AMERICA
Proposes Conveys to Escort
U. S. Ships Flying Ensign
Through War Zone Wat
ers to Destination.
6Y FREDERICK WERNER.
Staff Correspondent for International
NAAa SApvleA

News Service.
BERLIN, Feb. 1S.-Germany's reply
90 the note of the United States pro-
testing against submarine blockade
of the British coasts sets forth firmly
the position of Germany, but at the
same time the document is couched in
cordial terms and shows a spirit OF
friendliness towards America.
The German reply, which has been
transmitted to Washington by Ameri-
can Ambassador Gerard, explains that
Germany's drastic naval policy to-
wards Great Britain was made necess-
ary by the attempts of England to cut
off the food supply of Germans civil
population.
Suggest Ratification.
A summary of the contents of the
German reply was secured by the In
ternational News Service today. One
OF the proposals contained in the dOcu-
ment Is the suggestion that the declar-
alton of London be ratified. In accord
ance with a suggestion made by the
United States at the outbreak Of the
war. thus enabling Germany to import
food and raw material. With this rati-
ficaticn. it is pointed out, Germany
would be in a position to modify her
maritime policy. '.-@. ..,y. ss
The German reply is begun with the
following expression of friendship to-
ward the United States:
"The imperial government has
examined the communication from the
United States government in the same
good will and friendship by which the
communication seems to have been
dictated.
"The imperial government is in ac-
co-d with the United States govern
rent in that for both parties 1t is to
high degree desirable to avoid any
understanding which might arise
u, the measures announced by the
rnan admiralty and to provide
ainst the occurrence of incidents
rhich might trouble the friendly rela-
ii ms which so far happily exist be-
tween the two governments.
No Hostility Intended.
with regard to assuring these
friendly relations. the imperial govern
ment believes it may all the more
reckon on a full understanding with
the United States, as the procedure an
nounced by the German admiralty
which is fully explained in the note of
February 4, is in no way directed
against commerce or legitimate ship
ping of neutrals. but represents solely
a measure of self-defense imposed on
Germany by her vital interests against
England's method of warfare, which Is
contrary to International law, which,
so far. no protests by neutrals have
succeeded in bringing back to the gen.
orally recognized principles as they
existed before the outbreak of the
war"
Regarding the flag question the Ger
man government recommends that any
ships avoid the war zone around Eng
land. The hope is expressed that the
United States will fully respect the
struggle of Germany for her national
existence and will fully understand
and appreciate the motives which i'm
PEELED the proclamation Of a war zone
in English waters.
Proposes Conveys.
The German government also sug-
gests that the United States govern
ment cause all American ship passing
through the war zone waters be recog-
nized by conveys of ships flying the
United States ensign. 1t is emphatic
ally pointed out in this connection that