The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1915-07-29


text of the latest American note to Germany
regarding submarine warfare:
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
TO AMBASSADOR GERARD.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON.
You are instructed to deliver textually the
following note to the Minister for Foreign At
fairs:
The note of the Imperial German Govern
ment dated the Sth of July, 1915 has received
the careful consideration of the Government
of the United States, and it regrets to be
obliged to say that it has found it very un-
satisfactory because it fails to meet the real
differences between the two governments and
indicates no way in which the accepted prin-
ciples of law and humanity may be applied in
the grave matter in controversy, but proposes,
on the contrary arrangements for a partial
suspension of those principles which virtually
set them aside.
The Government of the United States notes
with satisfaction that the Imperial German
Government recognizes without reservation
the validity of the principles insisted on in the
several communications which this Govern
ment has addressed to the Imperial German
Government with regard to its announcement
of a and the use of submarines
against merchantmen on the high seas-the
principle that the high seas are free that the
character and cargo of a merchantmen must
first be ascertained before she can lawfully
be seized destroyed and that the lives OF
non-combatants may in no case be put in
jeopardy unless the vessel resists or seeks to
escape after being summoned to submit to
examination for bellgerent act of retaliation
is per an act beyond the law, and the de-
Tense of an act retaliatory is an admission
that it is illegal
The Government OF the United States is
however keeny disappointed to find that the
Imperial German Government regards itself as
in large degree exempt from the obligation to
observe these principles, even where neutral
vessels are concerned, by what it believes the
policy and practice of the Government of Great
Britain to be in the present war with regard
to neutral commerce
readily understand that the Government of the
United States cannot discuss the policy of the
Government of Great Britain with regard to
neutral trade except with that Government
itself, and that it must regard the conduct of
other belligerent governments as irrelevant to
any discussion with the Imperial German Gov
eminent of what this Government regards as
of American citizens by German naval COM
manders.
Illegal and inhuman acts however justid-
able they may be thought to be against an
enemy who is believed to have acted in con-
travention of law and humanity are manifestly
indefensibe when they deprive neutrals Of
their acknowledged rights particularly when
they violate the right to life itself
If belligerent cannot retaliate against an
enemy without injuring the lives of neutrals
as well as their property, humanity, as we'll as
justice and a due regard for the dignity of
neutral Powers. should dictate that the prac-
tice be discontinued II persisted in it would
in such circumstances constitute an unpardon-
able ofense against the sovereignty of the neu.
trail nation affected
The Government of the United States is
not unmindful of the extraordinary conditions
created by this war or Of the radical altera.
tons Of circumstance and method of attack
produced by the use Of instrumentalites Of
naval warfare which the nations of the world
cannot have had i'm view when the existing
rules Of international law were formulated and
it is ready to make every reasonable allowance
for these novel and unexpected aspects Of war
at sea but it cannot consent to abate any