Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-04-22

Washington, April 21.--rhe United
states government replied today 90 the
recent memorandum In which Count
von Bernstorff. the German ambassa-
dor, declared that III the American
people desire 90 observe true neutral
ity, they will find means to stop the
exclusive expectation OF arms to one
side, or at least to use this export
trade as a means TO uphold the leglti-
mate trade with Germany and espe-
oially the trade in foodstuffs
The American note, which is signed
by Secretary Bryan, was drafted at
the state department, but was finally
peuned by President Wilson himself
After pointing out that the language
used by Count Won Hernstorff is sus-
ceptible of being construed as inn
pugning the good faith OF the United
states I'm the performance Of its duties
as a neutral" the note takes II for
granted that no such implication was
Intended and suggests that evidently
the German ambassador lis laborlng
under certain false impressions"
Plainly States Position.
II Is then declared that while the
relations of the United states with
any one OF the helligereuts' cannot
wisely be made o subject Of discuss
sion with third government such
correspondence between the United
States aud the allies as has been pub
lished shows i'tiie steadfast refusal" of
the government ito acknowledge the
right of any belligerent to alter the
accepted rules OF war az sea Insofar
as they affected the rights and inter-
ests of neutrals."
The attitude Of the United States
on the question OF expectation OF
arms is restated, namely, that 10
| place any embargo on arms during
the progress of a war would be IA di-
rect violation Of the neutrality OF the
United States
The note refers to the spirit Of
friendship which the United States de-
sires always TO manifest towards Ger
many and it's people and concludes
with the declaration that the neutral
ity OF the United states "is founded
upon the firm basis of conscience and
good Will"
Text of Statement.
The communication was delivered
by messenger to Count Won Bernstorff
late today and by mutual arrange
ment with the German embassy, tho
state department made 1t public to-
night.
The text Of the note follows
EXcellency | have given thought
ful consideration to your excelency's
note of the 9Th Of April 1915. enclos-
ing a memorandum OF the same date
in which your excellency discusses the
action Of this government with re-
gard TO trade between the United
States and Germany, and the attitude
OF this government with regard to the
expectation of arms from the United
states 90 the nations now at war with
Germany,
If must admit that / am somewhat
at loss how to interpret your excel
lency's treatment Of these matters.
There are many circumstances con-
nected with these lmportans subjects
TO which | would have expected your
cxcellency 10 advert. but of which you
make no mention and there are other
to which you refer |
would have supposed to have been
hardly appropriate for discussion be-
tween the government of the United
States and the government OF Ger
many.
Issues sharp Reproof
II shall take the liberty therefore
OF regarding your excellency's refer
onces 20 the course pursued by the
Of the United States with
regard to interforonces with trade
from this country such az the govern
meut of Great Britain have attempt
ed. aa intended merely to Illustrate
that fully the situation to which you
desire 10 call our attention and not a.
an invitation to discuss that course.
Your oXceHency's long experience IN
International affairs win have sug-
gestcd TO you that the relations of the
Two governments with one another
'annOt wisely be made a subject OF
jiscussion with third government,
which cannot he fully informed as 70
he facts. and which cannot be fully
'ognizant of the reasons for the
curse pursued.
Language of Diplomacy
believe. however, that J. am jus
flied IN assuming that what you de-
ire 70 call forth is q frank statement
It the position of this government in
egard to its obligations aR a neutral
,ower The general attitude and
'ourse of policy of this government
n the maintenance Of les neutrality |
I'M particularly anxious that your ex-
ellency should see IN their TRUE light
had hoped that this governments
position IN these respects had been
made abundantly clear. but | am. of
ourse, perfectly willing to state 1t
gain. This seems to ME the more
lecessary and desirable because. re-
ret to say. the language which your
xcellency employs 81 your memoran
um Ia susceptible OF being construed
$ impugning the good faith of tho