New Ulm review., 1917-02-14
GERMANY ASSURES
AMERICAN RIGHTS
IT'S APPARENTLY UP TO U. S.
TO SAY If WE'LL HAVE
WAR. ..F ~
SUBMARINES NOT TO MOLEST
PASSENGER SHIPS OF THIS
COUNTRY.


STATES to say whether there will be
sysrious trouble with Germany. The
washington correspondent of the Mime
apolis Journal telegraphs his paper the
proposals made by the German govern
meat, in which the passenger ships of
this country are to be safeguarded, as
will all freight ships not carrying con-
traband. In substance the proposals
made by Germany are as follows:
That all American passenger ships
be allowed to pass through the submarine
war zones without molestation.
That all American freight ships,
not carrying contraband of war, be
allowed unrestricted passage.
That the United States designate
the ships not carrying contraband,
which guarantee will obtain imlmuni-
ty for these vessels.
1t was for the purpose of opening the
way to a presentation of these propo-
sails that the German government act
ing through DR.. Paul Ritter, the Swiss
snisnister, sounded the administration
on Tts receptiveness to a discussion
OF the controversy which caused the
severance of diplomatic relations be-
tween Washington and Berlin.
TIE message DR.. Ritter communicated
was to the effect that Germany is will
ing to consider any suggestions for safe
guarding American lives and ships.
This was the diplomatic approach to
the disclosure that Germany itself
wishes to offer some suggestions of
this character.
ssn, Informal Overtures Ignored.
'"fs If zFresident Wilson consents to a
discussion with Germany, these propos-
ais will be forthcoming from Berlin.
The administration, however, is taking
no notice of the informal sounding of
its attitude and will not, it is stated,
unless Germany addresses formal
communication to the American gov
ernment. DR.. Ritter would not indi-
| cate whether his report to Berlin is
likely to encourage Germany to open
a discussion with Washington.
gAccOrding to his closest advisers, the
president has not changed his attitude
that, if Germany desires to restore
friendly relations, it must call off the
new program of submarine warfare
and returne to the observance of the
pledges given after the delivery of the
Sussex ultimatum.
Administration officials say that Ger
many's contemplated proposals would
not be satisfactory. Immunity fol
American ships would be welcomed, not
as concession, but as recognition o1
the right to proceed on the high seas
without molestation except that of visit
and search.
Contends for Rights of All Ships.
The United States, it is asserted
could not undertake, to designate ships
not carrying contraband, for the presi
/ dent contends for the right of American
ships carrying contraband to proceed
I free of molestation except that of visit
and search. In both cases the rule o1
ssa;;t and search provides that the ship
may be sunk where the cargo is more
than so per cent contraband, but al
persons aboard must be given safety.
The German suggestions take no ac
count of Americans aboard the ships O.
other neutrals or the ships of the AL
lies, and to this extent would not be
I entertained by the president, because
he insists that Germany ccncede the right
of Americans to safe passage aboarc
merchantmen, even of belligerent ma
tionality.
According to the German view, Presi
dent Wilson, if he desires to meet Ger
many half way in efforts to avert war
| Mght to enter into a, compromise ar
faneement for the immunity Of Ameri
+ +can ships, even if he continues to refuse
to recognize the legality Of the new
submarine blockade.
Sees Tacit Pact on Allied Blockade
In support of this argument it i!
pointed out that, although the president
refused to recognize the validity of the
British starvation blockade of Germany
he permitted the state department te
W informally and privately into ar.
.ssEments with the British authorities
Gf the passage without molestation ot
cargoes that were not contraband oi
war.
I In that way, the president, while