Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-05-31
in the navy list issued by the British
admiralty.
Are Armed, They Say.

Are Armed, They say.
1t IL further known to the imperial
government from trustworthy reports
from its agents and neutral passengers.
that for considerable time practical
~ all the more valuable British nfer-
chantmen have been equipped with
cannon and ammunition and other
weapons and manned with persons VINO
have been specially trained in serving
guns. The Lusitania, too, according to
information received here, had cannon
aboard. which were mounted and con-
cealed below decks.
The imperial government further
has the honor to direct the particular
attention of the American government
to the feet that the British admiralty,
in confidential instruction issued IN
February, 1915, recommended its mer-
camille shipping not only to seek pro-
lection under neutral flags and distin-
gushing marks. but also, while thus
disguised. to ATTACK, German subpa-
rines by ramming. AS special IN
citation to merchantmen to destroy
submarines, the British government
also Offered high prizes and has al
ready paid such rewards.
Not Regarded "Undefended."
The imperial government in view
of these facts individually known to 1t,
is unable to regard British merchant
men in the zone of naval operations
specified by the admiralty staff OF the
German navy as 'undefended. German
commanders consequently are no long
err able to observe the customary reg
ulations of the prize law which they
before always followed.
Finally, the imperial government
must point out particularly that the
Lusitania on its last trip. as on earlier
occasions, carried Canadian troops and
war material. including no less than
$500 cases of ammunition. intended for
the destruction Of the brave German
soldiers who are fulfilling their duty
with self sacrifices and devotion to the
fatherland's service.
Believe Attacks Justified.
The German government believes
that II was acting in justified self-de-
Tense in seeking with all the means of
warfare at its disposition, 10 protect
the lives of its soldiers by destroy
ing ammunition intended for the en-
envy.
The British Shipping Company must
have been aware of the danger 10
which the passengers aboard the Lus-
itania were exposed under these con-
ditions. The company in embarking
them. Notwithstanding this, attempted
deliberately to use the lives Of Amer
lean citizens as protection OF the am
munitioE aboard and acted against the
clear provisions of the American law,
which expressly prohibits the forward
ing Of passengers on ships carrying
ammunition and provides a penalty
therefor. The company, therefore, is
wantonly guilty of the death of so
many passengers.
There can be no doubt, according
to the definite report Of the subma-
rine's commander. which is furthe:
confirmed by all other informa ton that
the quick sinking of the Lusitania is
primarily attributable to the explosion
Of the ammunition shipment caused by
a torpedo. The Lusitania's passengers
would otherwise in all human prob
ability, have been saved.
Considers Thorn Important.
The imperial government considers
the above mentioned facts important
enough to recommend them to the at
;entive examination of the American
government.
The imperial government while
Withholding its final decision on the
! demands advanced in connection with
| the sinking OF the Lusitania until re-
ceipt of an answer from the Amer
! lean government feels impelled in con-
| clusion, to recall here and now that 1t
! took cognizance with satisfaction OF
| the mediatory proposals submitted by
| the United States government to Berlin
and London as basis for modus
vivendi for conducting the maritime
warfare between Germany and Great
| Britain. The imperial government. by
its readiness TO enter upon a discus
J sion of these proposals, then demon
/ strated its good intentions in ample
/ fashion. The realization of these pro-
posals was defeated, as is veal known,
by the declinatory attitude Of the Brit
| ISL government.
The undersigned takes occasion.
etc JAGOW."