The Washington times., 1915-07-10

it's existence, the imperial govern
ment will always be ready to do all
It can during the present war also to
prevent the jeopardizing of lives or
American citizens.
The imperial government. therefore
repeats the assurances that Ameri-
can ships will not be hindered In the
prosecution of legitimate shipping,
and the lives of American citizens
In neutral vessels shall not be placed
In jeopardy.
In order to exclude any unforeseen
dangers to American passenger
steamers, made possible In view of
the conduct of maritime war by Ger To
many's adversares, German sub
marines will be Instructed to permit
the free and safe passage of such
passenger steamers when made ~
recognizable by special markings
and notified a reasonable time In ad-
vance. The imperial government.
however. confidently hopes that the
American Government will assume to
guarantee that these vessels have no
contraband on board. details of ar
rangements for the unhampered pas
sage of these vessels to be guar
antee by the naval authorities OF
both sides.
In order to furnish adequate facili-
ties for travel across the Atlantic
for American citizens the German
government submits for considera-
ton a proposal to increase the num-
Der OF available steamers by install
ing in passenger service a reason
able number of neutral steamers un-
der the American flag. the exact
number to be agreed upon under the
same condition as the above-men-
toned American steamers.
Followed England's Example.
The imperial government believes
It can assume that in this manner
adequate facilities for travel across
the Atlantic ocean can be afforded
American citizens. There would,
therefore, appear to be no compell-
ing necessity for American citizens
to travel to Europe In time of war
on ships carrying an enemy flag.
In particular the imperial govern
ment is unable to admit that Ameri-
can citizens can protect an enemy
ship through the mere fact of their
presence on board.
Germany merely followed Eng
lands when she declared part Of the
high seas an area OF war. Conse-
trails on enemy ships in this area
OF war cannot we'll be judged differ
emily from accidents to which neu-
trails are at all times exposed at the
seat Of war on land when they be-
take themselves into dangerous
localities in spite Of previous warn
ings
II. however, It should not be
possible for the American govern
ment to acquire an adequate number
OF neutral passenger steamers. the
imperial government Is prepared to
interpose no objections to the plac-
ing under the American flag by the
American government of four enemy
passenger steamers for passenger
traffic between North America and
England.
Hopes To Reach Understanding.
Assurances Of free and safe"
passage for American passenger
steamers would then extend to apply
under the identical conditions to
these formerly hostile passenger
steamers.
The President of the United States
has declared his readiness in way
deserving of thanks to communi-
cate and suggest proposals to the
government of Great Britain with
particular reference to the alteration
Of maritime war. The imperial gov
ernment will always be glad to make
use Of the good offices of the Presl-
dent and hopes that his efforts in
the present case. as we'll as In the
direction of the lofty ideal of the
freedom Of the seas, will lead to an
understanding.
Undersigned requests the ambassa-
dor to bring the above to the knowl-
edge of the American government
and avails himself of the opportunity
to renew to his excellency the assur-
ance Of his most distinguished con-
sideration. Won JAGOW.