The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1915-06-02
# the case is complete and in ac-

VI the case 10 SViuPictc anu III az
cord.
"The Government of the United
States proceeds on the assumption
that the Lusitania could be regard
ed as an ordinary unarmed mer-
chairman. The Imperial Govern
ment allows itself in this connec-
ton to point out that the Lusita-
MIA was one Of the largest and fast
est British merchant ships, built
with government funds as an auxil-
larry cruiser and, carried expressly
as such in the navy list issued by
the British Admiralty.
: cit is further known to the I'm
perial Government from Trustworthy
reports from its agents and neutral
passengers that for a considerable
time practically all the more valua-
BILE British merchantmen have been
equipped with cannon and ammu-
milton and other weapons and
manned with persons who have been
specially trained in serving guns.
The Lusitania, too, according to in
formation received here, had cannon
aboard, which were mounted and
concealed below decks.
1.-THE Imperial Government, fur
Their, has the honor to direct the
particular attention of the Ameri-
can Government to the fact that the
British Admiralty, in confidential
instruction, issued in February,
1915. recommended its mercantile
shipping not only to seek protection
under neutral flags and distinguish
ing marks, but also, while thus dis
guised, to attack German subma-
rines by ramming. AS special in
citation to merchantmen to destroy
submarines, the British Govern
ment also offered high prizes and
has already paid such rewards.
1.-THE Imperial Government, in
view of these facts indubitably
known to it, is unable to regard
British merchantmen in the zone of
naval operations specified by the
Admiralty staff OF the German navy
as 'undefended.' German command
ers consequently are no longer able
to observe the customary regula-
lions of the prize law, which they
before always followed.
Finally. the Imperial Govern
ment must point out particularly
that the Lusitania on its last trip,
as on earlier occasions, carried Ca
madam troops and war material, in
Guiding no less than 5,400 cases of
ammunition intended for the de-
struction of the brave German SOL
diers, who are fulfilling their duty
with self-sacrifice and devotion in
the Fatherland's service.
"The German Government be-
lieves that it was acting in justified
self-defense in seeking with all the
means of warfare at its disposition
to protect the lives of its soldiers by
destroying ammunition intended for
the enemy.
( 1.-The British shipping company
must have been aware of the dan
ger to which the passengers aboard
the Lusitania were exposed under
these conditions. The company in
embarking them. Notwithstanding
this, attempted deliberately to use
the lives of American citizens as
protection for the ammunition
aboard. and acted against the clear
provisions of the American law,
which expressly prohibits the for
warding of passengers on ships
carrying ammunition, and provides
penalty therefor. The company.
therefore. is wantonly guilty Of the
death of so many passengers.
There can be no doubt. accord
ing to the definite report of the sub
marines commander. which is fur
Their confirmed by all other infor-
nation, that the quick sinking Of
the Lusitania is primarily attribute
able to the explosion of the ammu-
milton shipment caused by torpe-
DO. The Lusitania's passengers
would otherwise. In all human prob
ability, have been saved.
1.-THE Imperial Government con-
siders the aforementioned facts inn
portant enough to recommend them
to the attentive examination of the
American Government.
THE Imperial Government. while
Withholding its final decision on the
demands advanced in connection
with the sinking of the Lusitania
until receipt of an answer from the
American Government. feels impell-
ed In conclusion to recall here and
now that It took cognizance with
satisfaction of the mediatory pro-
poaala suhmittad nv the United