Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-02-16
U. S. Regards Aiming Of Mer-
chant Vessels for De-
tense Justified.
VIEWS EXPRESSED IN HIGH
ADMINISTRATION CIRCLES
State Department Withholds Action
on Broad Questions Involved,
Awaiting Replies to Note.


in high administration circles, the
United States comedies that the
entente allies are within their
rights under prevailing interna-
tional law in arrning merchant
ships for defensive purposes, no
matter what conditions exist on
the seas. Consequently, it is adj
mitted tfat should the allies de-
cline to adopt the American sug-
gestion to disarm merchantmen,
founded primarily upon a desire
to save the lives of innocent non
combatants. this government can
not approve the declaration of the
Teutonic powers to torpedo with
out warning, after February 20,
all armed vessels. Various high
officials are convinced, however,
that the position of Germany and
Austria is justified under existing
conditions.
Development of o. S. Suggestion.
State Department officials recognize
that the action of the German and
Austrian governments is development
of the recent American suggestions.
The department, however. does not feel
obligated to take any action in regard
to the broad questions involved, at least
until it has received replies to it's own
memorandum to the entente allies re-
garding the disarming of merchant
men.
Consideration is being given to the
advisability of amending the instruc-
tons to port authorities in regard to
the rights of merchantmen to arm for
defensive purposes, and the limitations
OF the armament.
Under the existing regulations, mer-
chant ships may carry guns mounted
on the stern, of caliber up to six
inches. 1t was suggested that the
rules might be so amended as to reduce
the caliber to, for instance, two inches
View of State Department.
The entire matter. as the State De-
partment now views it, turns about
the question of what constitutes de-
fensive armament. 1t is admitted that
the line between where defensive DOW
er ceases and offensive power begins
u almost impossible to draw. and au-
thorities on International law in the
department say the question is one
which surely would have to be consid-
cred by international conference at the
conclusion of the war
Omcials also indicated that thew
would consider separately the case Of
each armed ship coming into Ameri-
can waters. and that the action taken
would depend upon the facts. The
same course. 1t was said will be pur-
sued in the case of ships Carving
Americans that are attacked under the
new German instructions.
Question of Resisting Capture.
High officials were not prepared to-
day to pass upon the question as to
how far armed merchant vessels would
De ]ustined in resisting capture. They
SAID that to consider that merchant
ships could not resist at all might lead
TO the absurd conclusion" that a nifty
FOOT motor boat, armed with one
FOUNDER gun, could capture the biggest
ocean liner without risk to itself.
iNi' SSt man uudTtefS comes the
statement that the German govern
ment never expected that the entente
allies would accept the suggestions
made by the United States. as they ap-
peared to uphold the right to sink shirs
which cannot be taken into port
II was said today by high Teutonic
authority that the German and Ans
TRAN governments would under no
consideration disregard the assurances
which have been given to the United
states in regard to the conduct of sub
marine warfare.
Attention was directed particularly
10 the fact that the German govern
nent had assured the United States
that liners would not be attacked with.
out being warned.
No Reputation of Assurances
These assurances. it was said had
not been and would not be repudiated
and for that reason liners in service
between the United States and west
ern Europe would not be attacked
without warning, even il they have
defensive armament aboard
Teutonic officials were inclined tn he.
Heve that such issue would NOT
arise, as Great Britain has agreed thai
us ships entering American waters
snail not be armed. In both DIPLOMATIC
ana ofncial circles doubt even was ex
pressed that the new policy wouId in
the slightest way affect condition. in
the Atlantic. although il was admit
ted that should the Italian government
persist IN arming it's merchantmen
dihcohy might arise in the Medi,er-