Der Deutsche correspondent. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1841-1918, 1915-03-05
GERMANY'S ATTITUDE AND
ND'S
Editorial from yesterdays washing
ton Post


ton Post
Unofficial reports as TO the con-
tents OF the German reply to the
American note regarding the treat
ment Of neutral vessels and cargOes
indicate that the German government
is disposed to be conciliatory, and
that it will agree to abide by the
customs of war recognized by inter-
national law, If the British govern
ment will likewise abide by it, Ger
many insists that British vessels shall
not take shelter under neutral flags
and that merchant vessels shall not
80 armed or make resistance to
search or seizure. These demands
are just and right, and should be
accepted by Great Britain.
Germany intimates that it is will
ing that international commissions
shall be formed, representing neutral
nations, which shall have jurisdiction
over the receipt and distribution of
foodstuffs in both Germany and Great
Britain, in order that assurance shall
I be given that this food supply shall
reach only civilians.
1t is hardly to be supposed that
Great Britain will agree to this plan,
since it claims to hold possession of
the sea and has announced its pur-
pose to starve out Germany. Never
theless, the German suggestion is a
fair one, and unquestionably neutral
sentiment the world over will be
favorably influenced by it. 1t is in
accord with international law. which
has always recognized foodstuifs as
noncontraband unless destined to
military or naval forces.
The German reply emphasizes the
necessity for strict abstention from
the use Of the American flag by Brit
ish merchant vessels. The United
States must make it's protest against
this practice so effective that Great
Britain will heed it. If British
merchant vessels are being armed, as
Germany intimates, then the danger
OF sinking American vessels by mis-
take for British vessels is greatly in
creased since German warships can
not safely visit and search vessels
which make armed resistance. They
win be compelled to treat them as
warships and sink them, and they
are fully justified in so doing. But
the German note treasures the
American government that every
effort will be made to ascertain the
true character and nationality of yes
sells in the war zone.
Until the British government
makes definite reply to the American
inquiry as to the means to be em-
ployed in cutting off commerce to
and from Germany. it will be i'm
possible TO forecast the possible dam
age to American shipping. Opinion
in England is divided as to the scope
of the governments plan. The Man
chester Guardian asks pertinently
whether Great Britain intends to es-
tablish new rule of naval warfare,
to wit, the right of preemption OF
vessels on the high seas. The
Guardian says:
Though Germany has lost her
rights at sea, neutral nations
have not, and we cannot under
stand why, when q formal
blockade would have left them
with no right of protest, we
should present them with
grievance by stopping short of
formal blockade Is it proposed
to exercise over neutral ships
which are detained the right Of
preemption-that is, Of buying
their cargoes at their valuation?
Here again we are without in
formation.
1t is absolutely true that neutral
nations have not lost their rights at
sea, and no self-respecting neutral
nation viii consent that fits rights
shall be destroyed Norway is mak-
ing vigorous protest against the new
British paper blockade, and 1t is q
certainty that the United States viii
protest. These protests, it is limited
from London, will not be needed.
We hope and believe they win be
needed. If the United States govern
ment does its duty to itself and the
American people, the protest will be
so worded that Great Britain will be
compelled to heed it.