The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-02-02
tons were closed.

In conveying ueT pIeuSeo 10 hSep
submarine activities within interna-
tional law, Germany included threat
If resumption il the United States did
not succeed in lifting British restrlc-
tons on commerce to Germany and
the European neutrals and the United
States in reply expressly warned Ger
many that her pledges must be
absolutely unconditional.
"Neutrals,' said Germany in the
Sussex note, "can not expect that
Germany forced to fight for her exist
ence, shall for the sake OF neutral in
terest restrict the use of an effective
weapon if her enemy is permitted TO
continue to apply at will methods OF
warfare violating the rules of interna-
tional law Should the steps taken
by the United States not attain the
object to have the laws of humanity
followed by all belligerent nations,
the German government would then
be facing a new situation in which
it must reserve to itself complete lib
erty of decision"
To any such reservations the Unit
ed Stated demurred in no uncertain
terms.
Recognized NO Terms.
"The United States feels it neces-
sary to state.' said President Wilson's
reply. that it takes it for granted
that the imperial German government
does not intend to imply that the
maintenance of its newly announced
rolicy is in any way contingent on
the course or result of diplomatic ne
gctiations between the government Of
the United States and any belliger-
ent government. Notwithstanding the
fact that certain passages in the i'm
rerial governments note might ap-
pear to be susceptible of that con-
struction."
In completing the declaration thar
there must be no Misunderstanding
that rights of American citizens must
net be made subject to the conduct Of
some other government, the note COLI
cluded by saying:
Responsibility in such matters ''Is
single, not joint; absolute, not rel
ative.'
The German announcement, as
communicated to Mr. Lansing through
Ambassador Bernstorff, follows:
"Mr. Secretary OF State:
Your eXcellency was good enough
to transmit to the imperial govern
ment copy of the message which
the president of the United States of
America addressed to the senate on
the 22nd inst. The imperial govern
ment has given it the earnest cosid-
Grafton which the presidents state
ments deserve, inspired as they are
by a deep sentiment of responsibility.
1t is highly gratifying to the imperial
government to ascertain that the main
tendencies of this important state
ment correspond largely to the de-
sires and principles professed by
Germany. These principles especial
ly include self government and equali-
ty of rights for all nations Germany
would be sincerely glad if in recog-
milton Of this principle countries like
Ireland and India, which, do not enjoy
the benefits of political independence,
should now obtain their freedom. The
German government also repudiate
all alliances which serve to force the
countries into competition for might
and to envolve them in a net Of sell
fish intrigues. On the other hand.
Germany will gladly cooperate in all
freedom of the seas, being a prelim
mary condition Of the free existence
of nations and the peaceful inter-
course between them, as we'll as the
open door for the commerce OF all
nations, has always formed part OF
the leading principles Of Germany's
political programme. All the more
the imperial government regrets that
the attitude of her enemies who are
so entirely opposed to peace makes
it impossible for the world at present
to bring about the realization OF
these lofty ideals Germany and her
allies were ready to enter now into
discussion of peace and had set
down as basis the guaranty of exis-
tence, honor and free development OF
their peoples.
Only Self Defense.
Their aims. as has been expressly
stated in the note of December II,
1916, were not directed towards the
destruction and annihilation of their
enemies and were according to their
conviction perfectly compatible with
the rights of the other nations. AS
to Belgium, for which such warm and
cordial sympathy is felt in the United
States. the chancellor had declared
only a few weeks previously that its
annexation had never formed part Of
Germany's intentions. The peace to
be signed with Belgium was to pro-
vide for ruch conditions in that coun-
try with which Germany desires to