The state herald., 1916-05-12

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 pro-
longed."
Germany DESTROYS Of Peace.
"The German government, conscious
Of Germany's strength, twice within
the last few months announced before
the world its readiness to make peace
on basis safeguarding Germany's vi
tai interests. thus indicating that It is
not Germany's fauIs II peace is stlIl
withheld from the nations Of Europe.
The German government feels all
the more justified in declaring that re-
sponsibility could not be borne be-
fore the forum of mankind and in his
tory II, after 81 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 seri-
ously threatening maintenance Of
peace between the two nations.
Anxious to Prevent Clash.
AS far as lies with the German gov
ernment It wishes to prevent things
from taking such course. The Ger
man government, however. is prepared
to do Its utmost to confine operations
OF the war for the rest of Its dura-
tion to the fighting forces Of the bellig-
erents. thereby also insurlng freedom
OF the seas, principle upon which the
German government believes, now as
before. that 1t is in agreement with
the government Of the United States.
To Warn Ships and Save Lives.
The German government, guided BY
this idea. notifies the government Of
the United States that German naval
forces have received the following or
der:
In accordance with the general
principles Of visit and search and the
destruction Of merchant vessels REQ.
ognized by international law. such yes
sells. both within and without the area
declared naval war zone, shall not
be sunk without warning and without
saving human lives unless the ship
attempt to escape or offer resistance.
But neutrals cannot expect that
Germany. forced to fight for existence
shall for the sake Of neutral interests
restrict the use OF an effective weapon
II the enemy is permitted to continue
to apply at will methods Of warfare
violating rules Of international law
Such demand would be Incompatible
with the character Of neutrality. and
the German government is convinced
that the government Of the United
States does not think OF making a de
mand. knowing that the government Of
the United States repeatedly de
clares that It is determined tc
restore the principle of freedom
of the seas. from whatever quarter u
has been violated.
Asks for Demand on Britain.
Accordingly the German govern
ment is confident that In consequence,
| OF the new orders Issued to the nava
forces the government Of the Unite'
States will also now consider all I'm
pediments removed which may hav,
been In the way OF mutual co-opers
tion toward restoration Of the free
dom of the seas during the war, a
suggested In the note OF July 90, 1915
and II does not doubt that the govern
ment OF the United States will now de
mand and insist that the British gov
ernment shall forthwith observe tn,
rules OF international law UNIVERSAL,
recognized before the war. as lai,
down in the notes presented by tn,
government OF the United States I,
the British government December 2s
1914. and November 6. 1915.
"shouId steps taken by the govern
ment Of the United states not attaII
the object II desires. to have the law
Of humanity followed by all beiiloer
ent nations. the German government n
would then be facing a new situation
In which II must reserve TO itself com
p,ete liberty Of decision.
The undersigned avails himself o
this opportunity to renew to the Amer
lean ambassador assurances OF high
est consideration"
Won JAGow.