South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-05-05


more than one hundred years. but
also by the thought of the great
doom which threatens the entire
civilized world should the cruel and
sa1guinary war be extended and pro-
longed.
The German government is con-
scious of Germany's strength. Twice
within the last few months we an
nounced before the world our readi-
ness 20 make peace on a basis safe
guarding Germany's vital interests.
thus indicating that il is not Ger
manys fault If peace is withheld
from the nations Of Europe.
Disclaim Responsibility.
The German government feels all
the more justified 10 declare that re-
spOnsibihty could not be borne by
Germany before the Forum of Man
kind if, after p months of warfare.
the submarine question under dis
cussiOn between the German and
United States governments were
6had) taken a turn TO threaten Sc
riously the maintenance of peace be-
tween the two nations.
As far as lies with the German
government il wishes TO prevent
things from taking such a course.
The German government more
over is prepared 10 do its utmost TO
confine the operations of the war
during the balance Of its duration. to
lighting forces Of beIligerents. there
by insuring the freedom of the seas.
a principle upon which the German
government believes now, as it did
before. TO be in agreement with the
government of the United States.
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:
In accordance with the gem
Cral principles of search and de-
StructiOn OF merchant vessels. as
recognized by international law.
such vessels both within and
without the area declared war
zone (the waters around the
British iSles) shall not be sunk
without warning and without
saving human lives unless ships
attempt to escape or offer re-
sistance.'
But neutrals cannot expect that
Germany, forced to fight for her
very existence, shall for the sake of
neutral interests, restrict the use of
her effective weapon (the subma-
rine) if the enemy is permitted TO
apply at will methods Of warfare
Violating the rules of international
law.
such a demand would be inoom-
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 demand.
knowing that the government Of the
United states has repeatedly de-
clared that It is determined 10 re-
store the principle of the freedom
OF the seas. no matter from what
quarter they (the freedom Of tho
seas) are violated.
Confident OF Consequences.
"AccoT din gly. the German govern
ment IS confident that the conse-
quences of The new orders issued to
the naval forces will he that the
United States now consider all inn
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 %. 1915. and it (the German
government) does not doubt that the
government Of the United States
will now demand and insist that the
british gov eminent shall forthwith
observe the international laws 1ni-
versally recognized before the war
and which we're laid down in notes
presented by the United States q
England on Dec IS, 1914, and Nov
5, 1915.
Should the steps taken by the
United States government fail TO at
tain the object il desires. /. e., Il
have the laws Of humanity followed
by all belligerent nations. the Ger
man government would then lee rae
ing a new situation in which it must
reserve for itself complete liberty Of
decision
The undersigned avails himself Of
an opportunity TO renew 10 the
American ambassador assurances OF
the highest consideration.
'VON TAGOW -