Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-13

Washington, Feb. 12.-The United States has fatly rejected Germany's offer to discuss differences between the two nations while the ruthless subma- rine campaign is in progress. In note today to the Swiss minister. who on Saturday presented orally the Ger man proposal, Secretary Lansing said the United States does not feel that it can enter into any discussion with the German government concerning the policy of submarine warfare against the German government concerning the policy of submarine warfare against neutrals which it is now pur- suing, unless and until the German government renews it's assurances of May fourth (the Sussex note) and acts upon the assurances.
 The state department made public the secretary's reply. together with a memorandum which at NIT. Lspsing's suggestion Mir. Ritter. the Swi ; min ister, had prepared last night, setting down in writing the suggestion origin ally transmitted orally. Previously officials had 6eclinedS to conflrm the announcement by The Associated Press Saturday afternoon that such a pro posaI had been delivered by Dr, Rit- ter.
 In view of the fact that the United States has taken the most vigorous course possible short of var to de- nounce the ruthless submarine war far, officials of the government regard the German proposal to negotiate wSile the campaign is in progress utter ly insincere. From the first the move has been looked upon and resented as a piece of props gandas designed to be- cloud the issue and put the United States in a falst position of belliger- ency.
 The question whether navy guns 11e, at submarines has been submitted to President Wilson by the state and navy departments. It is understood that the state department. the govern problems, has recommended that the guns be provided. -
 There is said to be no authority up- der whichthe navy department can ac- are precedents for the leaning Of wea- pons under bond for their return. Un- der existing law only condemned guns and stores can S-e sold by the navy.
 Must Keep Pledges.
 The American government has re- piled that it cannot enter negotiations unless Germany restores the Sussex pledges and withdraws the proclama- ton of unrestricted submarine war fare.
 The state department made public 1 Germany's proposal submitted in a l nemorandunm by pr. Paul Ritter, the l Swiss minister, and also the govern | ments reply, thereby confirming fully | the announcement made by The As sociated Press last Saturday.
 Memorandum Submitted.
 The state departments statement i follows
 ''In view of the appearance in the newspapers of February II of a re- gotiations with the United States in | regard to submarine warfare. the de- | partment of state makes the following | statement:
 "A suggestion was made orally to | the department of state last Saturday afternoon by the minister of Switzer- | land that the German government is | willing to negotiate with the United | States, provided that the commercial | blockade against England would not | be interfered with. At the request of | the secretary of state, this sugges- tion was made in writing and present day night. The communication is as follows:
 'Memorandum-The Swiss govern ment has been requested by the Ger l man government to say that the latter | is now, as before, willing to negoti- | ate. formally, or informally, with the | United States, provided that the com | mercial blockade against England will | not be broken thereby.
 U. s. Governments Reply.
 ''This memorandum was given in- mediate consideration and the follow ing was dispatched today:
 My Dear Mir. Minister: am re- :, uested by the president to say to you, in acknowledging the memorsIl- dunn which you were kind enough to send to me on the 11th instant, that | the government of the United States would gladly discuss with the German any question 1t might | propose for discussion were it to with draw its proclamation of the 31st of January in which, suddenly and with out previous intination of any kind, it cancelled the assurances which it had given this government on the fourth of May last; but that it Joss not feel that it can enter into any dis cussion with the German governTzle ent the policy of submarine warfare against neutrals which it $ now pursuing. unless and until. the German government renews it's aSaur- r ances Of the fourth oe May a.-d1 ;lc-s upon assurance'
 No other interchange on this sut- feet has taken place between this