Crittenden record-press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1909-191?, 1916-05-11

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.
1.-THE German government, conscious
Of Germany's strength, twice within
the last few months announce b.
fore the world its readiness to make
peace on a basis safeguarding Ger
many's vital interests thus indicating
that It is not Germany's fault Il peace
Is still withheld from the nations Of
Europe The German government
feels all the more justified In declar-
ing that responsibility could not b
borne before the forum Of mankind
and in history If after p months Of
the wars duration the submarine
question under discussion by the Ger
man government and the government
of the United States were 70 take "a
turn seriously threatening mainta-
nance OF peace between the two ma.
tions
As far rs lies with the German gov
eminent, It wishes TO prevent things
from taking such course. The Ger.
man government, moreover, IL pre-
pared TO do its utmost 10 con1ne oper-
atoms Of the war for the rest OF its
duration to the fighting forces Of the
bolligerents, thereby also insuring
freedom Of the seas, o principle upon
which the German government be-
lieves now, as before. that II ia 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 q naval war zone shall not
be sunk without warning and without
saving human lives unless the ship
attempt 10 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 lnterna.
tional law. Such q demand would be
Incompatible 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 a demand. know.
ing that the government OF the United
States repeatedly declares that II is
determined 10 restore the principle
OF freedom Of the seas, nom whatever
quarter Il has been violated.
Accordingly the German govern
ment Is confident that in consequence
OF the new order issued 10 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
international law universally reooe.
nized before the war as laid down in
the notes presented by the govern
ment OF the United States TO the Brit
ish government December 2S, 1914
and November S, 1915.
Should steps taken by the govern
ment of the United States not attain
the object II desires 10 have the laws
of humanity followed by all belligeren,
nations. the German government
would then be facing a new situation
In which II must reserve 10 itself
complete liberty OF decision.
The undersigned avails himself Of
this opportunity 10 renew 10 the Amer.
lean ambassador assurances OF Mzh
est consideration"