The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-07-12
Protective Measures While In
sisting on Plunger War.
AMERICAN FLAG ON VESSELS
Berlin Would Offer Finest, Most
Luxurious Liners.
Zimmerman Holds Translated
Note HarSher Than Original.
BY CARL w. ACKERMAN.
United Press Staff Correspondent.

Berlin. July 12-Germany is Willing
to make further concessions to safe-
guard American n travellers in the war
zone the foreign office informed me
today. She will not abandon her sub
marine policy. but she will consent TO
placing several great German liners
under the American flag for the re-
mainder of the war, in addition to
granting immunity from submarine
attack to four English liners as pro-
posed in her latest note to Washington
The suggestion was made that the
big Hamburg-American liners lmper-
ator, Kaiserine Auguste, Victoria ard
the North German Lloyd liner George
washington be placed at the disposal
of the American government for trans
porting neutrals through the zone OF
submarine operations.
Under American Flag.
"Of course, you understand that
this matter would rest with the ships
owners" said Under Foreign Secre-
tary Zimmerman, but Germany
would be willing to place at the dis
posal of American travellers her larg-
est carriers, if the American govern
ment desires to suggest it. If America
desires to place them under the Amer
lean flag, we shall certainly agree.
GERMANY it was intimated at the
these interned passenger ships with
out financial gain and with neutral
crews from the captain down The
chief reason that Americans desire to
travel aboard English liners, it was
pointed out, probably is because bet
ter accomTn odations can be secured IN
the majority of cases should the Ger
man liners be operated under the
American flag, neutral passengers
could board these fast, luxurious ships
in the knowledge that they were safe
it was pointed out, the sailing schedule
would not be interrupted as has been
the case with English liners because
the ships were commandeered by the
government for use as transports
Translation Is Too Harsh.
In official circles here regret was
expressed today that the English
translation of the German reply does
not exactly interpret the spirit of the
German text. The general opinion
was that the German original was
more friendly in tone than the trans
lation sent to America.
Under Secretary Zimmerman COM
mented particularly on the translation
of that sentence which, in the English
version, was made to read as follows:
The imperial government cher
ishes the definite hope that some
way will be found, when peace is
concluded, or perhaps earlier. to
regulate the laws of maritime war
in manner guaranteeing the
freedom of the seas and will well
come it with gratitude and salts
faction. if it can work in hand
with the American government
ON THAT OCCASION.
The last words in the English YER
sion were obtained from the German
word ''dabie," which might mean ION
that occasion or Ito that effect.
Under Secretary Zimm erman, while
not disposed to question the English
translation, pointed out that the Ger
h n
and not the time, leaving the inference
that ito that effect was nearer the
precise meaning intended by the for
eign office.
Germany is willing to work i'm
mediately and at all times for the free
dom of the seas" he added.