The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1916-05-12


great nations for over 100 years, but
also by the thought Of the great doom
which threatened the entire civilized
world should the cruel and sanguinary
war be extended and prolonged.
The German government, conscious
OF Germany's strength, twice within
the last few months announce be.
fore the world its readiness to make
peace on a basis safeguarding Ger
many's vital interests, thus indicating
that IL is not Germany's fault II peace
is still withheld from the nations of
Europe. The German government
feels all the more justified in declar-
ing that responsibility could not be
borne before the forum of mankind
and In history II after 21 months of
the wars duration the submarine
question under discussion by the Ger
man government and the government
OF the United States were TO take a
turn seriously threatening mainte-
nance OF peace between the two ma.
tions.
AS far as lies with the German gov
eminent, 1t wishes to prevent things
from taking such course. The Ger.
man government, moreover, is pre-.
pared to do its utmost TO conflne oper-
atoms OF the war for the rest of its
duration to the fighting forces OF the
belHgerents, thereby also insuring
freedom of the seas, principle upon
which the German government be-
lieves now, as before, that it is in
agreement with the government of the
United States.
The German government, guided
by this idea, notifies the government
OF the United States that German
naval forces have received the follow
Ing order:
" In accordance with the general
principles OF visit and search and the
destruction Of merchant vessels recog.
nized by international law, such yes
sells both within and without the area
designated naval war zone shall not
be sunk without warning and without
saving human lives unless the ship
to escape or offer resistance
But neutrals cannot expect that
Germany, forced to fight for existence,
shall, for the sake of neutral inter-
ests, restrict the use of an effective
weapon If the enemy is permitted to
continue to apply at will methods OF
warfare violating rules of interna-
tfonal law. Such a demand would be
with the character of
neutrality, and the German govern
ment is convinced that the govern.
ment of the United States does not
think OF making such demand, know
Ing that the government of the United
States repeatedly declares that 1t is
determined to restore the principle
Of freedom of the seas, from whatever
quarter 1t has been violated.
Accordingly the German govern
ment is confident that in consequence
Of the new order issued to the naval
forces the government of the United
States will also now consider all i'm.
pediments removed which may have
been in the way of mutual cooperation
toward restoration of the freedom OF
the seas during the war, as suggested
In the note of July 20, 1915, and II
does not doubt that the government
Of the United States will now demand
and insist that the British government
shall forthwith observe the rules OF |
law universally recog-
nized before the war as laid down in |
The notes presented by the govern.
nent of the United States to the Brit. |
Ish government December 2S, 1914,
and November 5, 1915.
Should steps taken by the govern
nent Of the United States not attain
he object II desires to have the laws
If humanity followed by all belligerent
nations, the German government
would then be facing new situation
n which 1t must reserve to itself
complete liberty OF decision
The undersigned avails himself Of
his opportunity to renew to the Amer.
can ambassador assurances of high
,st consideration"