The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-06
GERMANY OFFERS BARGAIN
 IN REPLY TO II LAST WORD"

elimination. all the. more as it has re- peatedly and explicitly declared itself ready to use the submarine weapon in strict conformity with the rules of inter national law as recognized before the outbreak of the war, if Great Britain, likewise, was ready to adapt the con duct of warfare to these rules.
 Several attempts made by the govern mont of the United States to prevail upon the British government to act accordingly, failed because of flat refusal on the part of the British government. Moreover, Great Britain again and again, has vio- lated international law, surpassing all bounds in outraging neutral rights. The latest measure adopted by Great Britain, declaring German bunker coal contra band, and establishing conditions under which English bunker coal alone is sup piled to neutrals is nothing but an un- heard of attempt by way of exaction to force neutral tonnage into the service of British trade war.
 DISCRIMINATION ALLEGED
 NThe German people knows that the government of the United States has the power to confine the war to armed forces of the belligerent countries in the in- terest of humanity, and maintenance of international law. The government of the United States, while demanding that Ger many struggling for existence shall re- strain the use of an effective weapon and while making compliance with these de- mands condition for maintenance of re- lations with Germany, confines itself to protests against illegal methods adopted by Germanys enemies. Moreover, the German people knows to what consider able extent it's enemies are supplied witH all kinds of war material from the United States.
 Tt will, therefore, be understood that the appeal made by the government of the United States to sentiments of hu- manity and principles of international law, cannot, under the circumstances, meet the same hearty response from the German people, which such an appeal otherwise always is certain to find here. If the German government nevertheless, is resolved to go to the utmost limit of concessions, it has been guided not alone by the friendship connecting the two great nations for over 100 years, but also by the thought of the great doom which threatens the entire civilized world should the cruel and sanguinary war be extended and prolonged.
 The German government, conscious of Germany's strength, twice within the last few months announced be- fore the world it's readiness to make peace on basis safeguarding Ger many's vital interests, thus indicating I is still withheld from the nations of Europe. The German government feels all the more Justified in declaring that responsibility could not be borne be- fore the frume of mankind and in history after 21 months of the wars duration the submarine question un- der discussion between the German government and the government of the United States were to take & turn se- riously threatening maintenance of peace between tho two nations
 WOULD PREVENT RUPTURE
 'As far as lies with the German gov ernment 1t wishes to prevent things, from taking such a course. The Ger man government. moreover, is pre- pared to do it's utmost to confine oper- ations of the war for the rest of it's duration to the fighting forces of the belligerents, thereby also insuring free dom of the seas, a principle upon which the German government believes now as before that it is in agreement with the government of the United States.
 The German government, guided by this idea notifies the government of the United States that German naval forces have received the following or der:
 ORDER TO U-BOATS Tn accordance with the general pfnclples or vlslt and search, and the destruction of merchant vessels rec ognized by international law. such ves- sells. both within and without the area declared naval war zone. shall not tbe sunk without warning and without saving human lives unles the ship at tempt to escape, or offer resistance' 1 "But neutrals cannot expect that Germany, forced to fight for exist ! ence, shall for the sake of neutral U ir1fo ri iaf I1o cR ~&& tvs-MeapeA iaethA~enAIhy psgnnatksd