The midland journal., 1916-05-12

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| gers for neutral persons and goods en-
tering the fighting zone. Even in cases
where the naval action is confined to
| ordinary forms Of cruiser warfare neu-
trail persons and goods repeatedly
come to grief.
Mine Danger Pointed Out.
"The German Government has re-
peatedly and explicitly pointed out the
dangers from mines that have led to
the loss of numerous ships.
"'The German Government has made
several proposals to the Government
| of the United States in order to reduce
to a minimum for American travellers
and goods the inherent dangers of
naval warfare. Unfortunately the
Government of the United States de-
cided not to accept the proposals. Had
it accepted the Government OF the
United States would have been instru.
mental in preventing the greater part
of the accidents that American citizens
have met with in the meantime.
Can't Dispense With u-Boat.
"The German Government still
stands by its offer to come to an agree
ment along these lines.
"As the German Government re-
peatedly declared, it cannot dispense
with the use of the submarine weapon
in the conduct of warfare against
enemy trade. The German Govern
ment, however, has now decided to
make further concession, adapting
methods of submarine war to the in
terests Of neutrals.
"In reaching this decision the Ger
man Government is actuated by con-
siderations which are above the level
of the disputed question.
Sacred Principles OF Humanity.
.The German Government attaches
no less Importance to the sacred prin-
ciples of humanity than the Govern.
ment of the United States. 1t again
fully takes into account that both Gov
ernments for many years co-operated
in developing international law in con-
formity with these principles, the ulti-
mate object of which has always been
to conflne warfare on sea and land to
armed forces of belligerents and safe
guard as far as possible non-com-
batants against the horrors of war. But
although these considerations are Of
great weight, they alone would not,
under present circumstances, have de-
termined the attitude of the German
Government; for in answer to the ap-,
peal by the Government of the United
States on behalf Of the sacred prin-
ciples of humanity and International
law the German Government must re-
peat once more, with all emphasis, that
it was not the German but the British
Government which ignored all accept
ed rules of international law and ex.
tended this terrible war to the lives
and property of non combatants, hav-
ing no regard whatever for the inter
ests and rights of neutrals and nom
combatants that through this method
of warfare have been severely injured.
Adopted In Self-Defense.
.'In self-defense against the illegal
conduct of British warfare, while fight
ing bitter struggle for national exist
ence, Germany had to resort to the
hard but effective weapon of sub
marine warfare.
"As matters stand, the German Gov
ernment cannot but reiterate regret
that the sentiments of humanity which
the Government of the United States
extends with such fervor to the un-
happy victims Of submarine warfare
are not extended with the same
warmth OF feeling to many millions of
women and children, who, according to
the avowed intention Of the British
Government, shall be starved, and who
by sufferings shall force the victorious
armies of the Central Powers into
ignominious capitulation. The German
Government, In agreement with the
German people, fails to understand
this discrimination, all the more as it
has repeatedly and explicitly declared
itself ready to use the submarine
weapon in strict conformity with the
rules of international law as rec
ognized before the outbreak Of the war
if Great Britain likewise was ready to
adapt the conduct of warfare to these
rules.
Great Britain Refused.
Several attempts made by the Gov
ernment of the United States to pre-
vail upon the British Government to
act accordingly failed because of fiat
refusal on the part of the British Gov
ernment.
Moreover, Great Britain again and
again has violated international law,
surprising all bounds in outraging
neutral rights The latest measure
adopted by Great Britain, declaring
German bunker coal contraband and
establishing conditions under which
English bunker coal alone is supplied
| to neutrals. is nothing but an unheard-