The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1915-06-04
CONSlDERSIT DISAPPOINTING
Dissatisfaction With The Reply
Reflected Cabinet Mem
berS RetiCent
TO RESTATE OUR POSITION

The undersigned has the honor to
submit to Ambassador Gerard the fol-
lowing answer to the communication
OF May Ii regarding the injury to Am
erican interests through German sub
marine warfare:
The Imperial Government has sub
jected the communication OF the Am
erican Government to a thorough in
vestigation. II entertains also keen
wish to cooperate in "a frank and
friendly way in clearing up possible
misunderstanding which may have
arisen in the relations between the
two Governments through the events
mentioned by the American Govern
ment.
Regarding, firstly, the cases OF the
American steamers Cushing and Gul-
eight, the American Embassy has al
leady been informed that the Ger
man Government has no intention of
submitting neutral ships in the war
zone, which are guilty OF no hostile
~
submarines or aviators. On the con
trary, the German forces have re-
peatdly been instructed most spe-
cifcally to avoid attacks on such
ships.
If neutral ships in recent months
have suffered through the German
submarine warfare, owing to mistakes
IN i, Iy
of quite isolated and exceptional
cases, which can be attributed to the
British Governments abuse OF flags,
together with the suspicious or culpa-
BILE behavior of the masters OF the
ships.
The German Government, in all
cases in which il has been shown by
its Investigations that a neutral ship,
not itself at fault was damaged by
German submarines or aviators, has
expressed regret over the unfortunate
accident, and il justified by condi-
tons, has offered Identification.
The cases of the Cushing and the
Gulflight will be treated on the same
principles.
An investigation OF both cases is
in progress, the result of which will
presently be communicated TO the
Embassy. The investigation can. if
necessary, be supplemented by an in
ternational call on the International
Commission of Inquiry as provided by
Article III. of The Hague agreement
of Oct. IS, 1907.
When sinking the British steamer
Falaba, the commander of the German
submarine had the intention of allow
ing the passengers and crew full
opportunity for a safe escape. Only
when the master did not obey the
order to heave to- but filed and sum
moned help by rocket signals. did the
German commander order the crew
and passengers by signals and mega
phone to leave the ship within ten
minutes. He actually allowed them
twenty-three minutes time, and fred
the torpedo only when suspicious craft
were Fastening to the assistance of
the Falaba.
Regarding the loss OF life by the
sinking of the British passenger
steamer Lusitania, the German Gov.
ernment has already expressed to the
neutral Governments concerned its
keen regret that citizens OF their
States lost their lives
On this occasion the Imperial Gov.
ernment. however, cannot escape the
impression that certain important
facts having a direct bearing on the
sinking of the Lusitania may have es-
capped the attention OF the American
Government.
In the interest OF a clear and com.
plete understanding which is the aim
of both Governments, the Imperial
Governments considers It first neces-
sary TO convince itself that the infor.
nation accessible TO both Govern.
ments about the facts Of the case is
complete and in accord.
The Government OF the United
States proceeds on the assumption
that the Lusitania could be regarded
as an ordinary unarmed merchant
man. The Imperial Government al.