Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-02-11
j. S. SENDS FRIENDLY NOTE
ON USE OF NEUTRAL FLAGS
Representations to Great Britain
Grow Out of Recent Lusitania
Incident.
INQUIRY MADE or GERMANY
Made Clear That Attack on Vessel
Flying Stars and Stripes, Without
Definite knowledge That Use Was
Ficticious. Would Result Seriously.

WASHINGTON February IO.-The
United States government to.day sent
note to Great Britain making friend
~ observations on tho use by British
ships of neutral flags. and at the same
time dispatched n communication to
Germany inquiring what steps would
be taken by German naval commander
to verify the identity OF ships flying
neutral flags in the recently proclaimed
zones of war around England and
Ireland.
While the Lusitania incident Is not
mentioned. the representations to
Great Britain arc based on the state
ment of the British Foreign Office. JUS
Trying the use Of neutral flags by her
merchantmen TO escape capture. The
American government points out that
frequent and continued use of this
stratagem might cast doubt on the
character OF vessel: really entitled 10
fly the American flag, and produce dan
gers to which neutral ships ought not
be subjected on the high seas ana in
unhlockadcd waters.
In the note TO Germany II is under
stood the United States asked how the
German admiralty proposed to carry
out In practice it's recent proclama ion
OF a war on merchant ships and its
warning that on account Of the mis-
use of the neutral flags by belliger.nt
vessels, neutral ships could not always
ne distinguished. The United States
has made il clear. ii is understood.
that an attack on vessel flying the
American flag without first ascertain
ing definitely that such use was flctitl-
Gus would bring about serious comyli- :
cations.
SEEKS TO LEARN
OF HAZARD no SHIPS
The United States had not fully cx-
pressed itself on the German procla
nation. however. confining itself for
the present to an inquiry for informa-
tion. The communication merely seeks
To learn more definitely what hazards
an American ship might be confronted
with If passing through the newly
prescribed sea zones. and what stems
will be taken by the German navy TO
give unrestricted passage to American
vessels travelling through these waters.
Both notes are brief and friendly.
Neither makes u protest, but each
points out how recent developments
may seriously embarrass neutral ships.
Secretary Bryan declined TO discuss
either communication.
President Wilson has pointed out
there is no internationa law against
the use Of neutral flag by bcllig-
crcnt vessel, and the rusc often is re-
sorted to in time of war. Nevertheless.
II was regarded us proper in the cir
cumStanceS to make representations on
the dangers to neutrals which might
cnsuc from flag changes during n
voyage Of bclligcrcnt ship.
Officials here generally expect that
Great Britain and Germany will re-
assure the United States as to the
safety of its vessels. None of tho high
officials anticipated the development OF
any critical situation.
Representative Browning. Of New
Jersey, read To the House to-day "a
letter from Charles 5. Braddock. Jr..
Of iladdOniield, ~ j., senior watch Of
iiccr OF the u. s. S. Rcsolutc, during
the Spanish War. telling how that yes
sci hoistcd the British ensign and
sailed under IL all day in the Caribbean
waters TO deceive Spanish destroycrs