The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1916-05-12
Germany Offered Peace.

Germany Offered Peace.
The German government. conscious
OF Germany's strength. twice within
the last few months announced be-
fore the world its readiness 10 mako
peace on basis safeguarding Ger
many's vital interests, thus indicating
that il Is not Germany's fault IL peace
is still withheld from the nations of
Europe.
The German government feels all
the more justified in declaring that re-
sponsibility could not be borne before
the forum OF mankind and in history
If after twentyone months OF the
wars duration the submarine ques-
| ton under discussion between the
German government and the govern
ment OF the United States were To take
turn seriously threatening mainten-
ance or peace between the two ma.
tions.
AS far as lies with the German gov
ernment, il wishes TO prevent things
from taking such course. The Ger
man government. moreover. is pre-
pared 10 do its utmost 10 confine oper-
ations OF the war for the rest OF its
duration TO the fighting forces OF the
belligerents, thereby also insuring the
freedom or the seas. principle upon
which the German government be-
! lieyes. now as before, that IL 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:
In accordance with the general prin-
ciples Of visit and search and the de-
struction Of merchant vessels recoq.
nlzed by such international law as
such vessels, both within and without
the area declared naval war zone.
shall not be sunk without warning
and without saving human lives unless
the ship attempted to escape or offer
resistance.
But neutrals cannot expect that Ger
many. forced 10 fight for existence,
shall for the sake OF neutral interests,
restrict the use OF an effective weapon
If the enemy is permitted to continue
TO apply at will methods OF warfare
violating rules of international law.
Demand Incompatible.
Such a demand would be incompat-
ible with the character OF neutrality,
and the German government is con-
vinced that the government OF the
United States does not think OF MAX
ing such demand. knowing that the
government OF the United States re-
peatedly declares that il is determin-
ed to restore the principle OF free.
dom OF the seas, from whatever quar-
ter II has been violated.
Accordingly. the German govern.
ment is confident that in consequences
of the new orders issued to the naval
forces. the government OF the United
States will also now consider all i'm
pediments removed which may have
been in the way OF mutual co-opera-
tion toward restoration OF the free
dom OF the seas during the war. as
| SutBtSItu III the UOlt Oh july 20, 1919,
and it does not doubt that the govern.
ment of the United States will now
demand and insist that the British
government shall forthwith observe
the rules OF international law univer-
sally recognized before the war, as
are laid down in notes presented by
the government OF the United States
TO the British government, Dec %,
1914. and Nov. 4. 1915.
Should steps taken by the govern.
ment OF the United States not attain
the object IT desires--to have all
laws Of humanity followed by all bel.
ligerent nations-the German govern
ment would then be facing a new sit
uation in which IL must reserve 10 it.
self complete liberty OF decision.
The undersigned avails himself Of
this opportunity 20 renew to the Amer.
lean ambassador assurances OF highest
consideration.
Won JAGOW.