New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-27
ARMED SHIPS
RULE DEFINED
Lansing's Statement
Makes Clear u. S.
Position.
From TNs T1euns Buspsu.l

Washington April 2s.-The publics-
tion of an official memorandum by tho
State Department to-day giving this
country's views on the armed ship
question further complicated the con-
troversy with Germany.
officials made no other explanation
than that II was "a matter Of general
interest TO the public" but the unof-
fetal opinion expressed was that the
intention was to clear this govern
ment's position and answer an advance
question which Germany might ask.
The document upholds the right of
merchantmen to arm for defence, draws
distinction between their status on
the high seas and in neutral waters,
points out that the rules laid down by
this government cannot be taken as
conclusive against the character Of
such a vessel and that it can only be
legally treated as a warship when the
attacking vessel has absolute proof
that q. is such.
II declares the status Of vessel 10
not altered by instructions from the
owners government unless those in
structions are made binding by a pen
atty or obedience to them is encour-
aged by the offer Of prize money.
The declaration was issued in the
form of memorandum prepared by
Mr.. Lansing st President Wilson's di-
rection during the Secretsry's brief va
cation last month. Copies Of it were
given TO each OF the embassies and le-
cations here.
Awaiting Copies Of British Orders.
In connection with the memorandum
i. was stated that the State Department
now was awaiting a response from
Great Britain 70 a request for copies
OF orders TO armed British merchant
vessels. Germany has charged that
these ships were instructed to act ag-
gressively against submarines and has
submitted Photographic copies OF or
ders taken some time ago from capt
ured craft This evidence is not con-
sidered conclusive here. however. as
the United States will base its position
on orders now in effect.
During the long-drawn-out negotia-
tions following the sinking OF the Lusi-
tanis Secretary Lansing has stated IN
general terms nearly all Of the postu-
lstes which he lays down in to-day's
r.. A.&A m
ever. 70 gather these into one compact
Departments views beyond any possi-
bility OF Misunderstanding or double
construction.
An effort is made TO diferentiate be-
tween an armed ship in a neutral port
and the same vessel on the high seas.
In the first case il is shown that the
United States government is concerned
solely 70 protect itself against any
charges that might be made by one OF
The belligerents that IL had allowed
American ports 20 be used as base
for hostile operations by its enemy.
Neutral Government Sole Judge.
Mr. Lansing insists that the neutral
government is 70 be the sole judge OF
,be status Of armed merchant ships in
its ports in tho absence Of any settled
rule OF international law. a commits
,ion or orders from belligerent gov
eminent 20 conduct aggressive opera
ton. under penalty Of punishment for
failure TO do so would stamp the vessel
ns varship.
In the absence Of such evidence the
neutral government may lay down its
own rules Of evidence to determine the
character Of the ship and. moreover
these rules, unlike principles of inter
national law, may be changed or modi-
field during tho progress OF the var,
Commenting on this part of the
n.morsndum. high oaicisl OF the
state Department admitted that the
refusal Of the American port authori-
tie, 20 clear a vessel nigh: be taken
ssa q notice 20 the public that she WAS
Costisued On page =. column