Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-03-03
GERMANY WILLING
TO HEED PROTEST
Neutral Shipping Safe if
Enemy Abandons Flag
Abuses and Armament.
BERLIN REPLY TO NOTE
A GENERAL ACCEPTANCE
Washington Proposal Accepted as
Proof of Americas Desire
to Be Fair.

10 De TalI.
BERLIN, March 3, via London.-1n
it's reply to the American note concern
ing the German naval war zone. the
German government agrees that, under
certain conditions, it's submarines VIII
halt and investigate merchantmen, and
will proceed against only such vessels
as are found to be carrying contraband
or are owned in nations hostile to
Germany.
The reply declares Germany's readf-
ness to accept virtually all OF the
American proposals except the one
which would restrict the use of
anchored mines to purely defensive
purposes The German government
expresses the belief that belligerents
cannot afford to abandon entirely the
use of anchored mines for offensive
operations. 1t is willing to consider the
abandonment of floating mines.
To Follow International Law.
In case German submarines take ac-
ton. after investigation. against mer-
chantmen carrying contraband or
owned in hostile countries. 1t is agreed
that such action will be In accordance
with the general rules of international
law. This presupposes, however. the
abandonment of the use of neutral
flags by merchantmen of hostile ma
lions or the arming of such merchant
men. If such tactics were employed.
Germany contends, 1t would be impos-
sible to restrict the operations of sub
marines in this manner.
The reply suggests that there be con-
stituted in the countries concerned
American commissions to which such
supplies of foodstuffs for the use of
civilian populations could be con-
signed. This plan, it is said, is con-
templated in the American proposals.
The reply also suggests that these
commissions should be allowed to i'm
port and control the distribution of
other articles, especially fodder. which
are on the conditional contraban list
In the declaration of London. Germany
states that interference with articles
on the absolute free list in the declara-
ton of London should be abandoned.
Impressed by American Note.
What most impressed US in the Ameri-
can note was the evident spirit Of absolute
fairness in which the American govern
i,
sire to propose a solution which could be
accepted by both Sides" said high Of
fetal Of the German government. I'VE
endeavored in the reply to follow the
same rule. The notifications we sug-
gested are inspired by the desire to round
out and complete the American proposals.
I'VE are sure. for instance, that the
American government would have in
serted the clause covering armed rner-
chantnen If this subject had occurred to
them. The reservation regarding the Of
fensive use Of anchored mines Is justified
! by The Hague conventions. which ex-
| pressly authorize such procedure, and
| even therein it will be noticed that our
note says only that we cannot renounce
| completely" the use Of such mines.
| 1.-The government is convinced that
the American proposals furnish an &C
ceptable basis for practical solution
of the present difficulties and problems
of the maritime situation"
Praised by German Press.
| The latest interchange of notes be-
tween the United States and Germany
finds the press most favorable in Its
comments. The newspapers deal with
the friendly spirit of the American
note and the evident absence of ute
rior motives in the American sugges-
lions, and join, almost without excep-
ton. in approval of the German an
swer.
| The editorials praise what they term
the practical nature of the American
suggestions and declare they see in
them an aim to do justice to both bel
iEgerents and neutrals and also an ap-
;. probation of Germany's peculiar posi-
ton.