New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-19
Wants Friendly Re-
latiOnS of Two Ma
tions UndiSturbed.
SATISFACTION
FOR VIOLATIONS
Foreign Minister Declares
Submarines Have Pre-
else Instructions.
FAVORS ARBITRATION
Trusts Hague May Adjust Finaf
Disputes-Would Welcome
Wilson'S Intercession.

Berlin, Sept. 1s.-The German
government will give its careful
consideration to the evidence con-
corning the circumstances which at
tended the sinking of the steamship
Arabic, submitted by the American
government through Ambassador
Gerard, Gottlieb Won Jagow, the
Foreign Minister, told The Associ-
ated Press last night.
Herr Won Jagow raid In his inter,
view that Germany could not we'll
repudiate the report of the COM
mander Of the submarine which
sank the Arabic; nevertheless, there
was room for difference of opinion
and Germany would examine care.
fully the evidence from Washington.
He repeated the assurance that
enemy passenger steamers which re-
spected the maritime code would not
bo attacked without warning, saying
explicit directions had been given the
submarine commanders, and as
serted the whole German governs
ment stood behind this policy.
In his statement the Foreign Min
lister went fully into the present
status of the submarine problem and
the adventitious circumstances which
for a time threatened TO revive the
tension between Germany and Amer
lea. He expressed complete conf
dence that. in view of the instruc-
tions which had been given and the
precautions now being taken, thu
possibility of further incidents in
connection with the submarine CAM
paign which would disturb the rela-
tions between the two countries had
been virtually eliminated.
VIII Confer with United States.
Germany, Herr Won Jagow said, would
participate willingly in the negotiations
now being taken up In Washington, and
hopes for the most satisfactory results
therefrom.
at would seem, your exeellency,"
said the correspondent, "that the re~
newal Of tension in the submarins
question Is largely due, so far as Ger-
man factors are concerned. 10 three
main causes: First, 10 the failure to
follow up Ambassador Won Bernstorf's
recent declarations at Washington and
the assurances communicated 10 AM
bsssador Gerard here, with negotiations
TO arrive at some more definite and fors
nal understanding regarding forms Of
submarine warfare; second, to the
wording Of the Arabic note, parts Of
which, according to English cable dis
patches, seem 10 have caused an un-
favorable impression In the United
States, and, finally, 20 apprehension Of
a certain lack Of harmony between
German declarations Of policy, as EN-.
commanders communicated by Ambas-
sador Won Bernstorff, and the practical
application Of this policy, whether due
10 accidents, Interpretations or other
causes. under which the possibility OF
further enlargement OF American
lives at sea may not be altogether ex-
I l.
ly because there seems 20 be reason 20
believe that the change from the opti-
mism of fortnight ago may be based
on Misunderstanding and lack Of
knowledge OF the attitude Of the Ger
man government"
Wants Arabic Case Arbitrated.
The Foreign Minister welcomed the
opportunity TO make clear Germanyis
position. Concerning the Arabic case
he said:
"We hope that our offer to refer tho
case 10 The Hague for adjudication viii
provide a satisfactory settlement In
case the United States and Germany
are not able TO adjust the question ~
direct negotiations.
ave could not, you will admit, wen
20 behind the report Of the commanders
OF our submarine. or question his hons
est belief, based on the Arabic's ac-
tions, that the British captain was
planning 20 attack his craft. partieu-
iarly as long as We had against IL only
pr.ss reports and the word OF the
British captain. And in this case tha
master and owners OF the ship which
discarded It's peaceful character, as un-
fortunately British ships repeatedly
have done, and assumed the role OF ag-
gressor should be held responsible fop
the loss OF life, not Germany.
"There may be room for honest difs
ference OF opinion on this point, how<
ever, and we are perfectly willing
| thoroughly 70 examine the summary of
| .yid.rca whiep thu American govern.