Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-04-13
Reply to Washngton's Inquiry
Admits Attack on Three
Merchant Ships CarryingI
Americans,
PRACTICALLY ADMITS
T0RPED0ING SUSSEX
Germany to Be Presented With
Array of Evidence TendingI
to Show Promises AreI
Worthless.


Washington, April l2.--Admission
by Germany that her submarines re"
Gently attacked three merchant ships
carrying American citizens and that
one of them torpedoed a vessel in
the vicinity Of the point where the
steamer Sussex was damaged 10y an
explosion. has simplified the task of
the state department in preparing for
the next step of the United states in
the issue over submarine warfare
Following the receipt IN cabled
press dispatches of the latest German
mote, it became known that the United
States would continue to compile in
formation indicating that German
submarines are operating in violation
OF rules Of international law and that
very soon IL communication. designed
To be the final word Of the American
government on the subject would go
forward TO Berlin.
The state department virtually has
completed the collection of facts re-
lating to all attacks on merchant ships
since the Lusitana. Further evidence
in the case of the Sussex. forwarded
by the American embassies at London
and Paris, Is to arrive on the liner
st Paul, Friday 1t is understood
that instructions 60 Ambassador Ger
ard. accompanied by the information
gathered hy the department, Will go
forward soon thereafter.
The unofficial text of the note from
Germany was communicated to Pres
ident 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 FIJI
day.
Officials made II clear tonight that
whatever might be the form of the
instructions tn Ambassador Gerard,
the purpose of the document to bc
handed the German government
would be to give notice that the
United States considers II has u great
array Of evidence tending to prove
that in spite of reiterated assurances
and pledges given by Germany peace
fu merchant ships carrying American
citizens, or which might have some
aboard, continue To be the victims Of
Illegal attacks.
No Doubt as to Sussex
Officials said the statements in the
German note would be very carefully
examined and compared with the eyl-
dence already before the state depart
ment in preparing the case of the
United States. In view Of the admis-
sion that a German submarine was
in the vicinity when the Sussex was
attacked and the array of evidence
pointing to conclusion that she was
torpedoed. little doubt is felt here as
to responsibility for that disaster, de-
spite the explanation that sketch
made by the submarine commander
OF a ship he torpedoed did not cor
respond with the description of the
Sussex.
No Debate with GERMANY.
There is no disposition on the part
of President Wilson and Secretary
Lansing to enter into debate of tho
issue with Germany 1t Is
declared that the principles contended
for by the United States In series Of
notes have been made clear, and that
Germany has been sufficiently warned
that further attacks in violation of in
ternational law would be considered
deliberately unfriendly acts.
The possibility Of break in diplo-
matte relations with Germany coupled
with an exposition Of the situation by
the president to congress. is constantly
in the background, but the president
was represented tonight as being
desirous Of avoiding such
step If possible. and determined not
TO act hastily
-Four American orse-handlers were