The copper era and Morenci leader., 1915-06-04

THE German government, in all
cases in which it has been shown by
it's investigations that neutral ship
is not itself at fault, was damaged
by German submarines or aviators,
has expressed regret over the unfor-
tunate accident and, if justified by
conditions, has offered indemnifica-
ton.
1.-The cases of the Gushing and
Outright will be treated on the same
principles. Investigation, in both cases
| is in progress, the result of which
will presently be communicated to the
iembassy. Investigation can, if neces-
sary, be supplemented by an interna
tienal commission of inquiry, as pro
vided by Article III of the Hague
agreement October is, 1907.
when sinking the British steamer
Falaba, the commander of the Ger
man submarine had" the intention of
allowing the passengers and crew full
opportunity for safe llessape.' 7onIy
when the master did not obey the
orders to sheave to,but fed and sum-
moned- help by rocket signals, did the
German commander ordered the crew
and passengers by signals and mega
phones to leave the ship within ten
minutes. He actually allowed them
% minutes time and fired torpedo
only when suspicious Il crafts were
fastening to the assistance of the
Falaba.
Regarding the loss of life, by sink
ing the British passenger steamer,
Lusitania, the German government
has already expressed to neutral gov
that citizens of their states lost their
lives.
ION this occasion the imperial gov
ernment, however, cannot escape the
impression that certain important
facts having the direction of bearing
on the sinking of the Lusitania, may
have escaped the attention of the
American government.
In the interest of a clear and COM
plete understanding, which is the aim
eminent considers it, first, necessary
to convince itself that the information
accessible to both governments about
the facts of the case is complete and
in accord.
THE government of the United
States proceeded on the assumption
that the Lusitania could be regarded
as an ordinary unarmed merchantmen
The Imperial government allows it
self in this connection to point out
largest and fastest of British merch-
ant ships, built with government funds
as an auxiliary cruiser, and carried,
expressly as steamship in the navy
list, issued by the British Admiralty.
TT is further known to the Imperial
government, from trustworthy reports,
from agents and neutral passengers,
that for a considerable time practi-
cally all of the more valuable British
merchantmen have been equipped
weapons and manned by persons who
have been especially trained in serv-
ing guns The Lusitania, too, accord
ing to information received here, had
cannon aboard which was mounted
and concealed below decks.
1.-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 instructions issued in
mercantile shipping not only to seek
protection nuder neutral flags and
like distinguishing marks, but also
while thus disguised, to attack Ger
man submarines by ramnling. AS
special inducement for merchantmen
to destroy it also offered high prizes
and has already paid such rewards.
The Imperial governmental view
of these facts, Individually known to
it, is unable to regard British merch-
anthem in the zone of naval opera
lions, specified by the Admiralty
staff of the German navy, as 'unde-
Tended German commanders, conse-
quently are no longer able to observe
the customary regulations of prize
law, which they, before, have always
followed.
Finally, the Imperial government
must loint out, particularly, that the
Lusitanfa on the last trip,as on earlier
occasions, carried Canadian troops
and war MATERIALS Including no less
than !.4OG cases Of ammunition, in
tended for the destruction of brave
German soldiers who are fulfilling
their duty with self-sacrifices and de
votion in the Fatherland's service.
The british shipping company