The Ordway new era., 1915-06-11

recommended its mercantile shipping
not only to seek protection under neu-
trail nags and distinguishing marks,
but also while thus disguised. to attack
German submarines by ramming. Al
special incitation to merchantmen to
destroy submarines. the British gov.
ernment also offered high prizes and
has already paid such rewards.
Says Liner Carried War Material.
THE imperial government In view
of these facts indubitably known to II.
is unable to regard British merchant
men in the zone of naval operations
specified by the admiralty stan OF the
Serman navy aas 'undefended,' Ger
man commanders consequently are no
longer able to observe the customary
regulations Of the prize law. which
they before always followed.
Finally. the Imperial government
must point out particularly that the
Lusitania on its last trip. as on earlier
occasions. carried Canadian troops and
war material including NO less than
b.400 cases OF Ammunition intended
for the destruction OF brave German
soldiers who are fulfilling their duty
with self-sacrince and devotion In the
fatherland's service.
The German government believes
It was acting IN justified self-defense
In seeking with all the means Of war
fare at its disposition to protect the
lives Of its soldiers by destroying am
munition for the enemy.
Puts Blame on ship Owners.
THE British shipping company must
have been aware OF the danger to
which the passengers aboard the Lusi-
tania were exposed under these condi-
tions. The company in embarking
them. notwithstanding this. attempted
deliberately to use the live. Of Ameri-
can citizens q protection for ammu-
milton aboard and acted against the
clear provisions Of the American law.
which expressly prohibits the forward
ing Of passengers on ships carrying
ammunition and provides . penalty
therefor. The company therefore 10
wantonly gnilty OF the death Of 70
many passengers, ss
There can BE- no doubt, according
to the d 9nite report Of the submA-
rine's commandsr. which ID further
connrmeAS BY al Information, that the
quick slnking ee4he L6asitAAAA - DT1-
marily attributable to the explosion Of
the ammunition shipment caused by .
torpedo. The Lusitania's passengers
would otherwise. In all human prob
ability, have been saved.
THE imperial government considers
the above mentioned facts important
enough to recommend them to the at
tentive exapinstion Of the American
government
Withheids Final pselelon.
"rhs Imperial government. while
withholding It's flnal decision on the
demands advanced In connections with
the sinking Of the Lusitania until re-
ceipt of an answer from the American
governmsnt, feels impelled. In conclu-
sion, to recall here and now that Il
took cognissnce with satisfaction Of
the mediatofy proposals. submitted BY
tho United States government to Ber
lin and London a. basis for modua
vivsndl for conducting the maritime
warfare between Germany and Great
Britain. The imperial government BY
its readiness to enter upon . discus
sion OF these proposals. then demon
strated it's good intentions in ample
fashion. The realization Of these pro
posals was defeated. ~ Is well known,
by the declinatory attitude Of the Brit
ish government. H
"The undersisned takes occasion.
etc JAGOW."