Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-07-24
The Secretary of State to Ambassador Gerard:

The note of the imperial German government,
dated the 9th of july 1915 has received the careful
consideration of the Of the United States
and it regrets be obliged say that it has found
it very unsatisfactory because fails meet the real
differences between the two governments, and indi-
way in which the accepted principles Of law
and humanity may be applied in the grave matter In
controversy but proposes, the contrary. arrange
ments for partial suspension OF those principles
which virtually set them aside.
Validity of Principle Recognized.
The government of the United States notes with
satisfaction that the imperial German government
recognizes without reservation the validity Of the
principle insisted the several communications
which this government has addressed the imperial
German government with regard to its announcement
of a war and the of submarines against
merchantmen the high seas-the principle that the
high seas free, that the character and cargo of
merchantmen must first be ascertained before she
can lawfully be seized destroyed and that the lives
of noncombatants may case be put IN jeopardy
unless the vessel ressts seeks escape alter being
summoned to submit examination for beligerent
of retaliation is per act beyond the law. and
the defense of an act as retaatory is an admission
that it is Illegal
German Attitude disappointment.
The government of the United States is, however,
keenly disappointed find that the imperial German
government regards itself in large degree exempt
from the obligation observe these principles.
where neutral vessels concerned, by what it be-
Ieves the policy and practice Of the government Of
Great Britain be in the present with regard to
neutral commerce.
The imperial German government will readily
I Il Il Is IL tod
cannot discuss the policy of the government Of Great
Britain with regard neutral trade except with that
government ITSELF and that regard the conduct
of other begerent governments irrelevant to any
discussion with the imperial German government Of
what this government regards grave and unjusti-
able violations Of the rights Of American citizens by
German naval commanders.
Acts "Termed Illegal and Inhuman."
Illegal and inhuman acts, however justihable they
may be thought to be against enemy who is be-
Eeved to have acted in contravention of law and
humanity, are manifestly indefensible when they
deprive neutrals of their acknowledged rights par
ticularly when they violate the right Of life ITSELF
If belliserent cannot retaliate against enemy
without niurine the lives of neutras, well their
property, humanity, as well justice and due re-
gard for the dignity Of neutral powers should dictate
that the practice be discontinued. 1t persisted IN It
would in such circumstances constitute an unpardon-
able ofense against the sovereignty OF the neutral
nation affected.
The government Of the United States IS not un'
mindful of the extraordinary conditions created by
this war; of the radical alterations OF circumstances
and method of attack produced by the Of insrs'-
,-n+alte, Of naval warfare which the nations Of the
xv,-ld cannot have had in view when the existing
r,.. q international law were formulated and it is
readv to make every reasonable allowance for these
novel and unexpected aspects Of at sea; but it
..,o+ co,.ent to abate any essential fundamental
right of it. people because Of mere alteration OF
circumstance.