The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1916-05-12
LONG AWAITED GERMAN
NOTE RELIEVES SITUATION
Our Demands Met Professionally
German Submarine Commanders
Ordered to Operate Under the
Rules of International Law.

Rules OF International Law.
Germany's note seems to be all
that could be asked of hard pushed
combattant In the great European
struggle. Our demands that subma-
rlnes act according to international
law are agreed to upon condition
that we exact like Difference from
the allies. Germany still holds that
England's partial blockade is illegal
and just as contrary to the RIGHTS of
humanity as sinking merchant ships.
Berlin has already issued orders
to the submarine commanders to
practice the visit and search rule in
dealing with merchant ships both in
side and outside of the naval war
zone, and not to sink them without
warning and saving of human lives,
unless the ship attempt to escape or
offer resistance. But, If we do not
insist upon England's complying to
international law as set down before
the war, Berlin reserves the right to
cancel the orders issued.
The note first suggests that the
facts of the Sussex case are not clear
limiting that If it be found that it
was a man-ofwar the proper conclu-
sions will be drawn. The German
government repudiates the assertions
of the United States that the sinking
of the Sussex should be considered
as but one instance of deliberate
method of indiscriminate destruction
of vessels of all sorts, nationalities
and destinations by GERMAN subma-
rine commanders In fact, from
Germany's point of view this was a
rather warm accusation. We are re-
minded that explicit warnings have
gone out regarding the danger from
mines that have led to the loss of
neutral ships.
Here are some lines of the note
which eastern American editors con-
slider slap in the face:
1.-The German government attaches
no less Importance to the sacred
principles of humanity than the gov
eminent of the United States. v
AS matters stand, the German
government cannot but reiterate re-
greet that the sentiments of humanity
which the government of the United
States extend with such fevor to the
unhappy victims of submarine war
fare are not extended with the same
warmth of feeling to many millions
of women and childen who, accord
ing to the avowed intention of the
British government, shall be starved,
and who, by sufferings, shall force
the victorious armies of the central
powers into ignominious capitulation
y s. The German people know
that the government of the United
States has the power to conflne the
war to armed forces of the belliger-
ent countries in the interest OF hu-
mainly and maintenance of interna-
tional law. The government OF the
United states would have been GER
tain of attaining this end had 1t
been determined to insist against
Great Britain on the incontrovertible
rights of freedom of the seas.
From the fact that we only have
protested against the illegal methods
of Great Britain, while demanding
that Germany comply with certain
restrictive rules in submarine war
fare under pain of severance OF
friendly relations, Berlin thinks we
will understand why our sentimental
talk about the rights of humanity
cannot meet with the same hearty
response from the German people
which such an appeal otherwise al
ways is certain to find here"
The note states that twice within
the last few months the German gov
eminent has announced before the
world a readiness to make peace on
a basis safeguarding Germany's in
terests. and closes with reserva-
ton of a right to modify the present
submarine ruling should the United
States not be successful in attaining
it's desires in connection with Great
Britain's sea policy.
It must be understood that TINS
note is also an answer to the Ger
man people,, who are familiar with
the American messages, and who
must be satisfied with their govern
menf's answer. Compared with our
last note this German statement. Is
lust as reserved and dignified.
The American press is much ex-
cited now. Some declare that the
inevitable has come" and that moth
ing remains but the breaking OF OF
diplomatic relations with Germany
The Salt Lake Tribune, as in meas
ure representing the west, takes
saner view of the matter. To quote:
1.-THE German govern ent, despite
the tone of the note, appears to be
sincerely DESTROYS of maintaining
friendly relations with the United
States, Moreover, these seems to be
a somewhat yelled purpose to Sc
cure our good Offices for an early
peace. Germany tells us that she
does not want to extend the area OF
warfare, but, on the contrary, is
eager to make peace. This may be
q hint that the government at Ber-
lin wishes our government to inaugu-
rate some kind of negotiations which
will end not only all existing disputes
but the entire war;
At any rate it is probably hearty
consolation of the western citizens
that editors of eastern papers do not
have the deciding of what we shall
do in response to the German note.
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