Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-02-19
FEAR COMPLICATIONS
FROM BLOCKADE
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war, and navy departments. the Ger
man note was the subject Of informal
discussion, details of the policy being
formulated by the American govern
ment were not disclosed.
That the United States is looking
Cor removal Of some of the causes
Of the present complication. in the
forthcoming answer from England to
the American note concerning the mis-
use Of flags, was intimated in some
official quarters. It was pointed out
that if categorical assurances were
given by Great Britain and her allies
that none Of their vessels would he
permitted to fly the American or othe.
neutral flags, the safety Of American
vessels in the war zones would be
guaranteed and German submarines
would be obliged to visit and search
neutral vessels for contra band before
destroying them as prizes. In this
case, then it was added, the dangers
for neutral vessels laden with non
contra band cargoes would be confined
only to mines, the indiscriminate lay
ing Of which on the high seas, would
be a subject Of protest by the United
States unless pilots or safe channels
were given.
Conveys lmpracticabIe
The suggestion in the German note
that conveys Of American warships
should accompany American mer-
ckantmen was looked upon by Off
Gals impra cticabIe because it would
impose an obligation on the United
States to guarantee the character OF
cargoes Of outgoing vessels require
rlcnt not covered by any domestic law
Moreover if mines were laid as Ger
many announces her intention Of do
ing, conveys in the opinion Of Arnert
can officials would be still endaanger-
cd by mines and public opinion in tho
United States might be much more
seriously aroused by the destruction
Of a warship than a merchantmen. IN
fact. the disposition was to regard
the sowing of mines in large sea areas
as creating a greater menace than
submarine warfare.
When mines were laid in the North SEE
the American government took the posi-
ton that il could not determine whic,
II the beligerenls was responsible TO
the action and did not protest. especially
since pilots were furnished by Great Bri
tain and neutral vessels were enabled It
proceed with their Journeys With IN.
administration by Germany Of her in
tcnti0n to lay mines, il was intimatel
that a protest might re forthcoming un
! less ri!o,s We're given to neutral vessel
carrying legitimate cargoes
Admit Rights
rs TO the announcement in the German
note that the German navy would nov
regard al articles as contraband which
Great Britain had so proclaimed, tn,
American government IS not expected Z
enter into any dispute except in connec
ton with those articles against which
it already has protested TO the Allies. Tn
right "a intercept cortraband cargoe
and even destroy them at sea. if contra
band constitutes more than half the car
go Of ship. is an admitted right, thong,
proof must later be presented to bea
out such action.
In German official quarters here tn
possibility Of complications with neutra.
over the war zone decree was not re
sarded as likely TO occur. because il wa
pointed out that Germany's campaign
was aimed at steamers carrying cargoe
of contfaband and not vessel devoted en-
tirely 10 passenger traffic. There woul
he 70 object. it was said, in destroyin!
I even enemy passenger ships. although
they might be captured and diverted from
;heiT courses.
1t was said that not only was it prob
able that German submarines would care
( fully avoid interference with any Amer
lean ships. but that they would also re
frain from attacking any of the bil
transatlantic liners even if they wer
under French or British flags. Thes
great liners carry only passengers AM
the coal necessary TO make the trans
Atlantic voyage at high speed.
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