Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-05-05

should the cruel and snnEuinary war
oe extended and prolonged.
- The German Government Is con-
scious Of Germnny's strength. Twice
within the last few months (we) an
nounced before the world our rendI-
ness to make peace on n basis safe-
guarding Germany's vital interests,
thus indicating that II is not Ger
many's fault tf,peace is withheld from
the nations or Europe.
FIXING OF RESPONSIBILITY.
The German Government feels all
the more justified to declare that re-
sponsibility could not be borne (by
Germany before the forum of man.
Kind IT, after Ell months of warfare,
the submarine question under discus
sion between the German and United
states Governments were (had) taken
turn to threaten seriously the main
tenance Of peace between the two
nations. - -,
As far as lies with the German
Government II wishes TO prevent
things from taking such a course.
Inc German Government. more.
over, is prepared to do its utmost to
confine the operations of the war
during the balance OF its dura tion. TO
lighting forces Of the belligerents
thereby insurinE the freedom of the
seas, principle upon which the Ger.
man Government believes now, as it
did before, to be in agreement with
the Government of the United States.
ORDERS TO U.BoATs.
The German Government, guided
by this idea, hereby notifies the Gov.
ernment of the United States that
German naval forces have received
the following orders: 80
"In accordance with the general
principles of search and destruction
OF merchant vessels, as recognized by
international law, such vessels both
within and without the area declared
war zone uhs waters around the
British 1sles) shall not he sunk with
out warning and without saving
human lives, unless ships attempt TO
escape or Offer resistance"
But neutrals cannot expect that
Germany. forced 10 fight for her very
existence, shall for the sake OF neutral
interests restrict the use Of her ef-
fective weapon (the submarine) If the
enemy is permitted TO apply at will
methods of warfare violating the rulas
of international law.
Such a demand would be incon-
patible with character (honor) and
neutrality, and the German Govern
ment is Convinced that the Govern
ment of the United States does NOT
think of making such demands
knowing that the Government of the
United States has repeatedly de-
clared that IL is determined to restore
the principle Of the freedom of the
seas, no matter from what quarter
they (the freedom OF the seas) are
violated.
'IMPEDIMENTS REMOVED"
Accordingly, the German Govern
ment Is confident that the conse-
quences of the new orders issued 10
the naval forces will be that the
United States now consider all i'm
pediments removed which have been
in the way OF mutual cooperation
towards restoration of the freedom
OF the seas during the remainder OF
the war, as suggested in the note OF
July 23. 1915, and 1t (the German
Government) does not doubt that the
Government Of the United States will
now demand and insist that the British
Government shall forthwith OBJ
serve the International laws uni
versally recognized before the war
and which were laid down in notes
presented by the United States 20
England on December 2s, 1914, and
November 5, 1915.
should the steps taken by the
United states Government fail 20
attain the object IL desires. Le., TO
have the laws OF humanity followed
by all belligerent nations, the GER
man Government would then be
facing . new situation. in which &c
erty Of decision.
The undersigned ayails himself OF
an opportunity to renew 70 the
American Ambassador assurances
Won JAGOW.