The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-18

be subjected. II is their claim that
by not confiscating either vessels or
cargoes which may be determined In
the enforcement of the new policy.
the effects upon neutrals will be much
less irksomc and injurious than
would be those of a full blockade
The United States is invited by other
Governments to compare the act OF
consideration for neutrals with what
Is termed the barbarous policy OF
Germany in exposing neutrais to de-
struction of life and property by Ger
man submarines.
The difference between the Anglo
French program as set forth in their
notes and the regularly accepted
blockade is that they apparently in
tend to operate on longer radius
than is usual and that they are to
omit confis .ation.
Justify Their Conduct.
Both France and Great Britain
likewise display tendency to find
a Large measure of Justification for
their policy in the alleged iniquitous
character OF the German operations,
Great Britain particularly, In reply
ing to the American Joint proposals
to herself and Germany, INDUCES In
u general Indictment of the German
conduct OF the war on six or eight
counts, maintaining at the same time
that the British have adhered scrup-
uiousiy TO the rules of warfare,
These haransUes, as tnUy are re-
gagued here, w4i4 not be taken into
consideration By the Administration,
which requires that the beiiiXerents
deal with the United States on the
bass or their obligat. ons to this Gov
eminent, and not with regard TO what
one OF the belligerents may be doing
to it's enemies.
The most extended and what Is be-
lieved TO be the ablest defense of the
Allies policy is contained in the Brit
ish reply to the American Joint pro-
posa.s To Germany and Great Britain.
BY quoting from German precedents
and German writer's the British es-
tablish something of a case in defense
of n policy of cutting off an enemy
from his supply OF foodstufrs, even II
such a policy affects the civil popuia-
tion. Furthermore. it is said thai
the Germans sank two ships laden
with foodstuffs consigned to unforti-
fed ports in Great Britain even before
the Inauguration Of the submarine
program. The German submarine
policy and the Allies blockade policy
both hit the same objective. the Brit
ish declare, that OF cutting Off all sup
plies from the enemy, the difference
between the policies being that I'VE
propose to attain 1t without sacrificing
neutral ships or combatant lives, or
infiicting on neutrals the damage that
must be entailed when a vessel and
its cargo are sunk without notice. ex-
or trial.
Interchange OF Notes.
faff~ l..
tween the United States and Germany,
Great Britain and France, was made
public at the State Department today:
Number THE identic note of the
United States to Germany and Great
Britain. suggestion mutual concessions
by both belligerents In the interest of
the safety of neutral shipping and
neutral rights: Great Britain invited
u permit foodstufis 10 reach the civi.
population of Germany under Ameri-
can supervision. In return for an
a abandonment OF Germany's submarine
program, and both asked to lessen the
menace from mines:
The Secretary OF State to the
American Ambassador at London:
tTelegram.l
Department Of State.
Washington, Feb. 20.
q
ward Grey the following identic note
which we are sending England and
Germany.
In view OF the correspondeuce
which has passed between this Gov
eminent. Great Britain and Germany,
relative to the declara-
tion of war gone by the German ad-
miralty, and the use OF neutral flags
by British merchant vessels, this Gov
eminent ventures to express the hope
that the two belligerent Governments
may. through reciprocal concessions,
ind basis for agreement which will
relieve neutral ships engaged In peace
full commerce from the great dangers
which they viii incur in THE high seas
Cd 'acent to the coasts of the belliger-
ents.
Outlines Agreement.
The Government of the United
States respectfully suggests that an
agreement in terms like the following
might he entered into. This sueces-
ton is not to be regarded as In any
sense proposal made by this Govern
fpent for II, OF course. fully recognizes
that II is not its privilege to proposa
terms OF agreement between Great
Britain and Germany. even though the
matter be one in which II and the
people OF the United States are direct
ly and deeply interested. 1t IL mere
ly venturing to take the liberty which
IL hopes may he accorded a sincere
friend DESTROYS OF embarrassing
neither nation involved, and of serving
IL 1t may. the common interests of hui
mainly. The course outlined Is Offer
ed In the hope that it may draw forth
the views and elicit the suggestions or
the British and German Governments
on matter OF interest to the whole
world
Germany and Great Britain to
agree:
/. That neither will SOW any float
Ing mines. whether upon the high seas
or In territorial waters; that neither
will place In the high seas anchored
mines. except within cannon range OF
harbors for defensive purposes only.
and that all mines shall bear the
stamp OF the ma ton planting them and
be 80 constructed as to become harm.
less il separated from their moor
inKs.
2. That neither will use submarines
To attack merchant xegaels of any m.
except to enforce the right
of visit and search.
3. That each will require their re-
merchant vessels not to use
neutral flags for the purpose OF dis
guise or ruse de guerre.
On Serwany's Part.
Germany to agree:
That all importations of food or