, 1916-05-10

marine weapon solely in consideration of
neutral interests, in spite OF the fact that
these restrictions are necessarily OF advantage
10 Germauy's enemies. No such considera-
tion has ever been shown neutrals by GreatBri-
tain and her Allies. The German subma-
zine forces have had in fact orders to conduct
Gbe submarine warfare In accordance with
the general principles of visit and search
and the destruction Of merchant vessels
recognized by international Law, the sole ex-
ception being the conduct Of warfare against
enemy trade carried on enemy freightships
encountered in the war zone surrounding
Grea5 Britain. With regard to these no
assurances have ever been given to the Gov
eroment of the United States. No such as
susances are contained in the declaration of
February 9Th. The German Government
cannot admit any doubt that these orders
were given or are executed. They can in no
kind of war be avoided altogether. Allow
.nces must be made in the conduct of naval
warfare against an enemy resorting to all
kinds Of rNses, whether permissible or illicit.
But apal from the possibility of errors, naval
warfare just as warfare on land implies I'm.
Rvoidable dangers for neutral persons and
goods entering the fighting zone. Even
cases where The naval action is confined to
ordinary forms OF curiser warfare, neutral
persons ard goods repeatedly come to grief.
The German Government has repeatedly aud
explicitly pointed out the danger from mines
that have led to the loss of neutral ships.
The German Government has made several
proposals to the Government of the United
States In order to reduce to a minimum for
American travellers and goods of inherent
dangers of naval warfare. Unfortunately the
Government Of the United States decided
not IN occnpk tho DrOnOaalc Had If oooant-
ed, the Government of the United States
would have been instruments in preventing
the greater part of the accidents that Amer
lean citizens have met with in the mean
time. The German Government still stands
by its offer to come to an agreement along
these lines. AS the German Government
repeatedly declared, it connot dispense with
the use Of the submarine weapon in the
conduct of the warfare against enemy trade.
The German Government however has decid-
ed to makes farther concession in adapting
methods of submarine war to the interests Of
neutrals. In reaching its decision the Ger
mauGovernment is actuated by considerations
which are above the level Of the disputed
question. The German Government attaches
no less importance to the sacred principles of
humanity than the Government of the United
States. It again fully takes into account
LuNL DOLn governments IOr many years coop
Grated in developing international Law in
conformity with these principles, the ultimate
object Of which has always been to confne
warfare on sea aud land to armed forces of
belligerenis, and safeguard as far AS possible
non combatants against the horrors of war
But although these considerations are of
great weight they alone would not under pre-
sent circumstances have determined the atti-
tude of the German Government. For IN an
swerto the appeal by the Government of the
United States on behalf of the sacred prin-
ciples of humanity and international Law, the
German Government must repeat once more
with all emphasis, that it was not the German
but the British Government which ignored all
accepted rules of International Law, aud
extended this terrible war to the lives and
property of non-combatants, having no regard
whatever for the interests and rights of
neutrals and non. com batants That through
this method of warfare have been severely
injured. In self defence the illegal conduct
of British warfare while fighting u bitter
struggle for national existence, Germany had
to resort to this hard but effective weapon of
submarine warfare. AS matters stand, the Ger
man Government cannot but reiterute regret
that The sentiments of humanity. which the
Government of the United States expresses
with such ~fervour for the unhappy VIC