Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-03-13
j. s. ARMED VESSELS
CAN OPEN FIRE ON
U-BOATS At SIGHT
State Department Holds Mere
Appearance of U-Boat Justi-
flies All Possible Measures to
Protect Ships From Attack
IR1 Asaocfatad PresI,1


WASHINGTON, March 1O-The mere
appearance of a German submarine or
its periscope in the presence of an Amer
lean armed merchant vessel would entitle
that ship, according to state department.
opinion today, TO take all measures of
protection on the presumption that the
U-bOat's purpose was hostile.
Under this ruling an American armed
merchantmen could fire on a German
submarine the moment it is sighted,
without being considered as taking ,ag-
gressive action. This view is based on
Germanys declared intention TO sink on
sight within certain zones all vessels.
neutral as well as belligerent, and
whether passenger vessels. freighters or
cont-aband carriers.
The United States was said TO stand
fatty on its armed merchantmen warn,
ing OF March %. last, in which il def
nitely recognized the right TO prevent
capture" as part of the right of self
protection" which could be exercised
either by flight or resistance. The mere
presence of a German submarine is de-
clared ground for assuming hostile intent
because of the statement by Germany
that ali vessels are to be sunk on
sight. Denial by Germany of the old
rule of visit and search makes all its
U-boatS actually hostile.
SITUATION NOW CLEAR
Whether the government will issue
any general rules for the guidance of
American armed ships commanders is
uncertain at present
Opposition 10 such action has been
expressed on the ground that the situa-
ton is now entirely clear, that in all
events the action of the commander must
depend on his judgment and the actual
conditions prevailing, and that the gov
eminent does not wish 10 take any
step which might be construed by Gers
many as a deliberately hostile act.
Reports that the state department
was preparing a white book of Germa-
ny's plots and intrigues in this country
for presentation shortly either to the
press or TO the senate were denied by
Secretary Lansing today. He said that
no such step was in contemplation and
that no present end could be served
by IL.
Navy yards were ordered today to
equip the vessels as fast as possible.
and the action will put the United States
in the position OF armed neutrality, the
next step beyond the severance of Dip
lomatic relations with Germany, and
possibly the preliminary of war. What
ships are TO be armed first, and when
they will sail. will be kept secret to
"a
cans aboard them.
President Wilson issued the necessary
orders yesterday, in the belief that he
has ample executive power without spe-
cial authorization from congress. Stimuli
taneously, however, he called congress
to meet in special session April 16. to
be in position to support him if neces-
sary.
Preparations for defending American
merchant vessels had already been taken
by the government and actual work OF
equipping them only awaited the navy
departments approval of applications
from ship owners. In the various navy
yards along the Atlantic coast are stored
guns. ammunition and other necessary
equipment ready for installation.
APPEAL OF SECRECY.
In official circles today confidence
was expressed that Secretary Daniels
appeal TO newspapers not to seek Or
publish specific news of the arming
and sailings OF American merchantmen
would be observed. a similar appeal
was made to telegraph and cable COM
panies.
The best news the readers can have"
said the secretary, ais that the govern
ment will protect the rights of Ameri-
ca to the freedom of the seas. The pub
LEGATION of details can serve no good
purpose and might jeopardize human
life"
Mr., Daniels has determined not to re-
veal any of the departments plans for
carrying out the policy ordered by
President Wilson. He previously has
stated. however, that the navy is pre-
pared to carry out the instructions.