Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-03-03

strictions of methods OF warfare. would
take into consideration the inter
ests Of neutrals. as well as the loss of
humanity.
I'm this sonse. the German note OF
February IL. already has pointed out
chat tho observance Of the London
Declaration Of Germanys enemies
would create n new situation from
which Germany gladly would tie pre-
pared to draw conclusions"
On the particular suggestions of tho
|, American note the following remarks
are made:
Germany would be prepared to make
the susg ested declaration concerning
the employment OF drifting mines
and the construction of anchored mines
ana further agrees with the suggestion
TO attach government mark TO eny
mines which may be laid. On the other
hand. il appears to Germany not to be
practicable for the belligerent powers
fully TO renounce the employment of
anchored mines for Offensive PURPOSES
"SecOnd--German submarines would
employ force against mercantile vessels
of whatsoever flag only In so far as IT
is required for the purpose of carry
ing out the right to hold up and search
IT tho hostile nationality of n shin or
the presence OF contrabaRd were proved,
the submarines would proceed accord
ing to the general international rules
"Third-As the American note pro-
vidcs for the aforementioned restric-
ton In the employment of submarines
II follows that enemy mercantile yes
sells should abstain from the use of
neutral flags and other neutral signs
an this connection it is obvious that
hostile mercantile vessels should not be
ri .1,., 4
ing violent resistance, since such con-
duct. which is opposed to international
law, renders II impossible for sub
marines to proceed in accordance with
interna tional law.
"Fourth--The regulation OF the lcgiti-
mate Importation Of food supplies to
Germany MS suggested by the American
government appears in general to be
acceptable. This regulation. of course,
would be restricted To importation by
sea: but on the other hand. IL would
also include indirect Importation via
neutral ports.
GUARANTEE FOOD SUPPLIES
For CIVIL POPULATION
Germany would. therefore. be pre-
pared to make declarations such as arc
provided for In the American note SO
that the employment Of imported food
supplies would he guaranteed to be ex
clusively for the peaceful civil popu
,ntio
I'm this connection, Germany, how
ever. must cmphasize that the impor
tatlon also OF other raw materials for
peaceful economic purposes. and in
Guiding fodder. should be made pos
sible. For this purpose the hostile
governments would have to allow free
passage to Germany OF raw materials
mentioned in the free list OF the Lon
don declaration and to treat In the
same manner as foodstufts those mate
rlals contained in the list Of condi-
tiOnal contraband.
Tine note concludes:
The German government hopes that
tho understanding suggested by the
American government will. regard he
ing paid to the foregoing remarks, be
realized, and that thereby peaceful
neutral shipping and peaceful neutral
commerce will not have more to suffer
than is absolutely necessary from the
effects of the naval warfare.
such effects moreover. would be
substantially diminished ir as already
pointed out In our note OF February
16. means and ways could be found TO
EXCLUDE the Importation of war ma
tcrial from neutral to bclligerent states
on ships of whatsoever nag
The adoption OF definite attitude
OF course must bc prohibited until
the German government on the basis of
further communication from the Amer
lean government is In Il position TO see
what obligations tho British govern
ment on It's side Is prepared to as
sumo"