Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-31
GERMANY'S NOTE
is RECEIVED
Continued From Page One)

The German government. in al
keAaes in which it has been shown by
S1ts Investigations that a neutral ship
xnot itself at fault. was damaged b,
Serman submarines or aviators. ha!
Expressed regret over the unfortunate
accident ard, if justified by conditions
mas offered indemnification.
"The cases OF the Gushing and tht
E1ulfitght will be treated on the sam,
EpT1ncipies. An investigation of botf
ases is in progress, the result O
Rhich will presently be communicated
20 the embassy. The investigation can
q necessary, be supplemented by a,
International call on the Internationa
commission of Inquiry. as provided b,
article III of The Hague agreement
20 Oct. IS, 1907.
Falabra Sinking
When sinking the British steamer
Alapa. the commander of the Ger
pan submarine, had the intention of
Knowing the passengers and crew a
Mull opportunity for safe escape.
only when the master did not obey
ehe order to heave-to but fled ano
1nmmoned help by rocket signals dill
fhe German commander order the
rev and passengers by signals and
&negaphone, to leave the ship within
ZEN minutes. He actually allowed
Them % minutes time and fired the
torpedo only when suspicious craft
we're fastening to the assistance OF
Ahe Falaba
Lusitania Regrets
Regarding the loss of life by the
linking of the British passenger
ssmer Lusitania, the German gov
YR(Ant has already expressed to the
Neutral governments concerned Is
keen regret that citizens Of their
Hates lost their lives.
n ON this occasion the Imperial gov
Eminent, however, cannot escape tn
IMPRESSION that certain important
hcts having a direct bearing on the
linking of the Lusitania may have
scaped thes attention of the Ameri
IAN government.
I'm the interest of a clear and COM
aete understanding, which is the aim
both governments, the Imperial
government considers it first neces
ary to cauNince itself that the in
rination accessible TO both govern :
&ents abotxfs4he facts of the case IS
complete ssn accord.
c.rrisd a. Navy List
tsThe ,govefnment of the United
ties proceeds on the assumption
At the Lusitania could be regarded
an ordinary nnarmed merchantmen
The Imperial government allows IT.
elf in this case to point GU that the
usitania was one of the largest and
bstests British merchant ships. built
nth government funds as an auxil l.
nv cruiser and carried expressly as
uch in the navy list issued by the
British admiralty.
Mounted Cannon Aboard
TT is further known to the Imperial
Government from trustworthy reports
rom its agents and neutral passen-
rers that for considerable time
Practically all the more valuable
British merchantmen have been
kcuipped, with. cannon and ammun'-'
lion and other weapons and manned
with persons who have been especial
h trained in serving guns. The Lu-
kitania. too. according to information
deceived hers had cannon aboard.
(which were mounted and concealed
below decks. 4
n The Imperial government, further
Mas the honor to direct the particular at
Etention of the American government &c
ffhe fact that the British Admiralty In
&confidential instruction issued in F'enru'
hry. 1915, recommended its merchant
khippine not only to seek protection un-
der nuetral flags and distinguishing
marks, but also. while thus disguised. to
attack German submarines by ramning.
Las a special mediation to merchantmen
Ito destroy submarines, the British gov
[ernment also offered high prizes and has
ALREADY paid such rewards
New Policy Necessary
The Imperial government in view of
these Sacts indubitably known to 1t. is
unabiS 10 regard British merchantmen in
the gone of naval operations specified by
the admiralty staff of the German navy
as .undefended.' German commanders
consequently are no longer able to OBJ
serve the customary regulations OF the
prize law which they before always fol-
lowed.
Carried War Material
Finally the Imperial government
must point out particularly that the Lus-
itania on it's last trip as on earlier occa-
sions carried Canadian troops and war
material, including not less than $500
cases of ammunition intended for the
destruction of the brave German SOL
diers who are fulfilling their duty with
self-sacrifice and devotion in the Father
lands service.
The German government believes that
1t was acting in justified self-defence In
seeking with all the means OF warfare at