Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1915-02-18

ID Eltl.lN, feD. lb.--Nb NbN wireless 10
~ SayVille. Admiral Behncke Of
the marine department has made a
statement to Lieutenant Commander
Walter Il. Gherardi, naval attache Of
the American embassy at Berlin,
which is given out officially as the
best exposition Of the situation with
respect to Germany's declaration of
the waters around the British isles as
war zone. Admiral Behncke's
statement follows:
up to the present time Germany
i'm the war at sea has followed the
London declaration of the stipula-
tions Of the Paris treaty on which
the conduct of war on the sea had
been based before the London declar-
alton.
"ln waging this commercial war
fare England had i'm view the sub
jugation of Germany by starvation.
Germany had in every way sought to
bring the attention of the neutral
powers and all others TO the neces-
sity she was under to obtain food
for her civilian population, which was
her right under the laws Of war. No
results could be obtained from her
efforts.
"Since the shutting off Of food sup
plies had now come 10 point where
Germany had no longer sufficient
food TO feed her people ii became
necessary for her to bring England
TO terms by the exercise OF force
Germany knows that by the use of
submarines England can be placed in
position where food VIII be lack
ing. She has the submarine force
with which to do it, her life as a
nation and the lives OF her people de-
pend on putting this campaign into
action and she must do so.
THE difficulties lying In the way
Of this campaign have been largely
connected with the care which it is
desired to give to neutral ships and
to the lives Of those on board all com
mercial ships, whether neutral or be-
longing TO the enemy
British Merchantmen Armed.
First, in arming her merchant
ships with guns for self-defense, Eng
land adopted "A policy against which
Germans strongly protest. The
United states took the British point
Of view. 1t is not possible for sub
marines to approach British mer-
chant ships and make examinations
without exposing themselves TO gun
fire or bomb attack against which q
submarine boat would be helpless.
Second England has advised her
merchant fleet to fly neutral flags,
TO cover up names and change stacks
to escape the consequences of their
nationality This plan was designed
10 bring Germany into conflict with
other nations.
Germany does not wish, I'm the
slightest degree. to harm Americans
goes, unless carrying contraband Of
war. She is, however, In position
where her life depends upon her put
ting into effect the only means she
has of saving herself. She must and
will use this means.
Commanding officers Of subma-
rinc boats have been given orders TO
make every effort to safeguard neu-
trails. In spite of the precautions
which submarines could take-with-
out the danger of being destroyed
themselves possibility was noted
that neutral ships might through err
ror or accident be destroyed. For
this reason strong warning was is
sued.
English Coast Mined.
an addition, the English coast has
been mined by the British themselves
for protective reasons and will bo
mined by the Germans as an act OF
offensive warfare. Ships were there
fore In danger from mines.
I'm spite Uf the great effect the
admiralty staff feel the use OF the
submarines will have in bringing tho
war TO a rapid close. the admiralty do
not wish TO put II into effect 10 the
detriment Of neutral commerce and
the rights OF nations on the high seas.
They have. therefore, stated that II
Great Britain will abide by the
declaration Of London, without modi-
fications, or by the treaty OF Paris.
whereby food supplies necessary for
the civil population can be freely
brought into Germany, the whole
matter Of a submarine blockade will
be dropped by Germany,
This proposal has been transmit
ted through diplomatic channels. III
accepted the matter will be no longer
provocative OF trouble between the
United States and Germany"
Admiral Behncke called Com
mander Gherardis attention to the
fact that Great Britain. when by her
proclamation she closed the North sea
did not give free passage To Ameri-
can ships bound for the neutral cOun-
try Of Holland. but compelled tho
ships g. pass through certain chan
nels take an English pilot aboard
and undergo search for contraband
of war "a the hands Of officers Of
British warships.
Germany's Plans.
a ra1 sals h.t. aa.gI tAs.s