Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-13
STAND OF U.S..
IS Determined
FROM EVIDENCE
BEING COMPILED
Administration Believes Infor-
nation Warrants Serving No
tice that Despite German
Pledges Peaceful Ships Con-
tinue to Be Victims of Attacks

Washington, April 12.-Admission by
Germany that her submarines recently
attacked three merchant ships carry
ing American citizens and that one of
them torpedoed a vessel in the vicin-
ity of the point where the channel
steamer Sussex was damaged by an
explosion has simplihed the task of
the state department in preparing for
the next step Of the United States in
the issue over submarine warfare.
Gathering information
Following the receipt in cabled press
dispatches Of the latest German note,
it became known that the United
States would continue to compile in
formation indicating German subma-
rines are operating in violation Of the
rules Of international law.
The State department virtually has
completed the collection Of facts relat-
ing to all attacks on merchant ships
since the Lusitania incident. Further
evidence in the case Of the Sussex for
warded by the American embassies at
London and Paris is to arrive on the
liner st. Paul Friday.
Receive Unofficial Text
The unofficial text Of the note from
Germany was communicated to Presi-
dent Wilson and Secretary Lansing to-
night. The official text was expected
hourly. 1t will be considered by the
! cabinet at it's regular meeting on Fri
day.
Officials made it clear tonight that
whatever might be the form of the in
structions to Ambassador Gerard the
purpose of the, document to be handed
the German government would be to
give notice that the United States con-
siders it has a great array Of evidence
tending to prove that in spite of re-
iteSated assurances and pledges given
by Germany, peaceful merchant ships
carrying American citizens or which
might have some aboard, continue to
be the victims of illegal attacks.
Resembles Sussex Attack
1t appeared to officials from the UNI
official version Of the note that the
German government had denied torpe-
doing the Sussex solely on the ground
that the commanders sketch differed
from photograph OF the channel
steamer which appeared in a newspa-
per. The description of the attack on
the ship admitted to have been tor-
pedoed and the story Of the explosion
which damaged the Sussex appeared
to be nearly identical The note says
the explosion Of the torpedo sent
against the unidentified vessel caused
the entire forward part Of the ship to
be TORN away to the bridge" The en-
tire forward part Of the Sussex was
torn away.
In spite Of the fact that the Sussex
is the chief case now being considered
officials made it plain that the next
step Of the United States would rest
on the accumulation Of evidence that
American lives were constantly being
placed in jeopardy in violation Of their
rights.
Regarding eerwindvaIs
The contention. Of the German gov
eminent in regard to the attack on the
Berwindvale does not agree with the
evidence received by the State depart
ment. 1t is known that at least one Of
the survivors made the statement that
the vessel was torpedoed without
warning.
~ II laSadaenfnna xlAax 49, 49, q. ss.