Evening star., 1916-10-09

allied interest. We do not require the
assistance of neutrals in laying the
foundations of future peace. but we
should be sincerely glad. in the inter
good feeling, to see them decline to let
German submarines operate from their
ports
Praise for Americas Attitude.
The Manchester Guardian. in an ed
itorial article on the exploits of the
U-53, declares its conviction of the
| desire of the United States to observe
strict neutrality. The Guardian says
that il the British ambassador pro-
tested against the entry of the sub
marine into American waters and
argued that any further submarine ar
irving there should be interned for the
rest of the war he would be expressing
the views set out in the recent mem
orandum sent by the allies to neutral
governments.
1.-The American government" the pa
per continues, apparently does not
fully, or 1t would not have escorted
the submarine into port or allowed
her to leave. No doubt we will be,
having some statement of the Ameri-
can governments position before long,
! and therefore it is hardly desirable to
speculate upon it. Maybe there were
some special political circumstances
about the mission of the U53 which
made the United States governm ent
give it special escort.
in the meantime we may be as
sured the American government is
| actuated not only by a desire to dis
charge the strictest duties of neutral
ity, but also by a genuine sympathy
with the case that has been presented
by the allies"
, After pointing out the difficulties
regarding the Interpretation of inter-
national law in respect to surface and
| undersea war vessels, the Guardian
says the submarine, thanks largely to
the United States, now tries to spare
life. but never makes itself responsible
for its preservation. For these rea-
liberty of commercial navigation in
way no surface boat can be, and these
! facts are sufficient to Great presump
tion against the submarine which does
not exist against other craft. That
presumption may well be reflected in
the reception 1t gets in neutral ports.
But 1t is a presumption, not against
submarines, but against submarines IS
employed by Germans in this war.
Pail Mall Gazette's Yelled Threat.
The London afternoon newspapers gen.
orally devote leading editorials to the
visit of the German submarine to the
SihtSu Inc ran Mali 1dZSttc
says that in the sinking of numerous
| ships off the American coast the govern
ment and people of the United States
have thus had an intimate reminder Of
the character and habits of the craft
which had received their hospitality"
The Pail Mall Gazette summarizes the
entente allied note regarding the treat
ment OF submersibles and continues:
The entente allies have pointed out
IN the most friendly spirit some of the
consequences which neutrals cannot
escape II they lend the resources of
their ports to belligerent submarines.
! II these German craft are to ply their
| calling Off American ports we shall
OBVIOUSLY establish a counter patrol.
| and our merchantmen will have to be
alert to destroy the pirates whenever
the opportunity offers.
But In this kind of warfare there IS
little time to ascertain the nationality
OF submarine craft. Their hunters have
70 deal with them on sight, and it is ny
no means improbable that one OF
americas own submarines straylng
| into the danger zone might inadver-
| tentiy encounter the fate reserved for
boche. - 1t is question for
the American government whether 1t
wishes its Atlantic coast frequented
~ It's own submarines or by those OF
Gtermany.. It is quite clear in the na-
lure hofs or things there is not room ior