The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1915-04-24

THE LOGAN ri
coded. | call your excellency's at
tention to this, Notwithstanding 1t is
already known to all the world as a
consequence of the publication of our
correspondence in regard to these
matters with several of the bellig
erent nations because l cannot as
sumo that you have official cogniz-
ance of 1t.
Sought Concessions
'In the second place, this govern |
ment attempted to secure from the |
German and British governments mu-
tual concessions with regard to the
measures those governments respec-
lively adopted for the interruption OF
trade on the high seas. This II did,
not of right, but mercy as exerc.s-
ing the privileges of sincere friend
of both parties and as indicating its
impartial good will. The attempt
was unsuccessful, but | regret your
excellency did not deem 1t worthy
of mention in modification of the i'm
preston you expressed. We had
shown our spirit in these times of
distressing war. as our diplomatic
correspondence had shown our stead
fast refusal to acknowledge the right
of any belligerent to alter the &C.
cepted rule of war at sea, in so far
as they affect the rights and inter-
ests Of neutrals.
Bound to Sell Arms
"In the third place, note with
sincere regret that, in discussing the
sale and expectation OF arms by citi-
zens Of the United States to the enc
| mics Of Germany, your excellency
seems to be under the impression
that 1t was within the choice of the
government of the United States, not
withstanding its protested neutrality
and its dilligent efforts to maintain
1t in other particulars to inhibit this
trade and that its failure to do so
manifested an unfair attitude towards
Germany. This government holds, as
| believe your excellency is aware,
and as 1t is constrained to hold in
view Of the present indisputable doc
trines of accepted international law,
that any change in its own laws of
neutrality during the progress Of a
war which would affect unequally the
relations of the United States with
the nations at war would be an un.
justifable departure from the prln-
ciples Of strict neutrality by which II
has consistently sought to direct its
actions and I respectfully submit
that none of the circumstances urg.
ed in your excellency's memorandum
alters the principle involved. The
placing of an embargo on the trade
in arms at the present time would
constitute such change and be di
rect violation of the neutrality o.
the United States. It will, feel as
sured, be clear to your excellency
that, holding this view and consider
ing itself in honor bound by 1t, it IL
out Of the question for this govern
ment to consider such a course.
Americans Friendly
y hope that your eXcellency vii
realize the spirit in which | am draft
ing this reply. The friendship be
tween the people of the United State
and the people of Germany is S,
warm and of such long standing tn,
ties which bind them to one anoth
err, in amity are so many and 81
strong, that this government feel
under a special compulsion to speal
with perfect frankness when an.
occasion arises which seems likel,
to create any misunderstanding
however slight or temporary, be
tween those who represent the go,
| ernments of the two countries.
will be matter of qualification L
me II l have removed from your eS
| cellency's mind any misapprehensioi
| you may have been under regarding
either the policy or the spirit an,
| purpose of the government Of tn
| United. States. It's neutrality
founded upon the firm basis of con
| science and good will.
Accept, excellency, the renewe
| assurances of my highest considera
| ton.
"W. ]. BRYAN.
At the German embassy no CON
ment was made on the note, furthe
than a statement that 1t had beel
| transmitted to the foreign Office a
Berlin, and that 1t is a reply iron
| the American government to a com
| munication from the German govern