The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1916-05-12
Accepts Berlin's Word
That Change Will Come
United States Ans,Ders Germany Briey-Anerican Note
Takes Strong Ground in Rejection of This Postu-
Late-Wiu Not Quarrel If Pledge Is Kept.


trails and nol -comoatants. Response
bility in such matters is single, not
joint; absolute, not relative"
Mr.. Lansing's statement made pub
lie after the cote was on its way to
Berlin follows:
Not GermaRe 20 S,n leci.
The greater part of the German
answer is devoted to matters which
this government can not discuss with
the German government. The only
question of rights which can be dis
cussed with that government is
that arising cut of its action or out
Of our own, and in no event those
questions which are the subject of
diplomatic exchanges between the
U2ited States and any other country.
"Ihe essence of the answer is that
Germany yields to our representations
with regard to the rights of merchant
ships and non-combatants on the high
seas ard engages to observe the rec
ognized rules of international law
governing navel warfare in using her
submarines against merchant ships.
So long as she lives up to this altered
policy we can have no reason to quar-
rel with her on that score, though the
losses resulting from the violation of
American rights by German subma-
rine commanders operating under the
former policy will have to be set
tied.
while our differences with Great
Britain can not form subject Of dis
cussion with Germany it should be
stated that in our dealings with the
British government we are acting as
We were unquestionably bound to act
in view of the explicit treaty engage
ments with tha~ government. We have
treaty obligations as to the manner in
which matters in dispute between the
two governments are to be handled,
Germany Refused Them.
eve offered to submit mutually
similar obligations with Germany but
the offer was declined. When, how
ever, the object in dispute is con-
tinued menace to American lives it is
doubtful whether such obligations ap-
ply unless such menace is removed
during the pendency of the proceed
ings."
The treaty with the British govern
ment referred to is the convention
negotiated by Former Secretary
Bryan under which the two nations
agree that any dispute arising shall
be submitted to an Investigating COM
mission for one year before entering
into hostilities. Al offer to enter into
such treaty for Germany brought
request for information but formal
negotiations never were instituted.
The hope that the note might ED
the discussion regarding the conduct
of submarine warfare tonight was en-
tertained by some officials and by per-
sons in close touch with the German
embassy. Should this prove true, no
more ships carrying American citi-
zens being sunk in violation of the
principles of International law, the
way would be cleared for renewal Of
negotiations of settlement of the Lus-
itania, Arabic, Sussex and other cases
growing out of illegal submarine at
tacks. In other official quarters,
however, there appare-tly was uncer-
tainty regarding the result which the
note might. have A new crisis, it was
pointed out, would arise should Ger
many make rejoined to the COM
munication and insist that its new
policy is contingent upon the United
States making certain demands upon
Great Britain.