The Washington times., 1917-03-26
ST. LOUIS SAFE
ON OTHER SIDE
Daniels Announces First Armed
American Liner Arrived
This Morning.
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Continued from First Page)
frain from further attacks on Ameri-
can vessels no one in responsible po-
sition in the Government would say.
The fact that seven American ships
have already been sunk since the sub
marine decree went into effect, 1t is
pointed out. shows Germany has no
intention of sparing vessels of this
nationality, while, on the other hand,
the fact that several of the British
merchantmen sunk have been armed
vessels indicates that submarines are
not unwilling to attack such vessels
under favorable auspices.
Eagerly Await Details.
Officials are eagerly awaiting de-
tails concerning the trip Of the st.
Louis. and particularly for informa-
tion as to whether the steamer sight
ed any submarines. The State De-
partment. which had the benefit Of
the information which Secretary Dam
iels obtained this morning from the
officials of the American line, under
stands that the steamer was not mo-
Tested In any way.
In line with the understanding be-
tween the American newspapers and
the Government, under which the
date of the sailing OF the St Louis
from New York and the character Of
the armament she carried was not
made public, officials here are anx-
ious that the press should not specu-
late as to the date when the st. Louis
will probably leave for her return
trip to the United States, nor as to
the sailing of other armed American
liners.
In Line with Practice.
In line with its practice OF the last
few days OF disregarding all restraint
In discussing Germany's reputation
of past promises. the State Depart
ment, in its formal note rejecting the
German proposal TO revive the treaty
OF 1893. has indulged in bitter denun-
citation, as shown by the text of the
communication given out today.
81 beg to acknowledge the receipt
of your note of February 10. present
ing the proposal Of the German gov
evrnment for an Interpretation and
supplementary agreement as to ar
ticle twenty-three of the Treaty OF
1893. After due consideration, /
have to inform you that the Govern
ment of the United tSates is not dis
posed to look with favor upon the
proposed agreement to alter or sup
plement the meaning OF article twen-
ty-three OF this treaty. This position
of the Government of the United
States, which might under other con-
ditions be different, Is due to be re-
peatsd violations by Germany OF the
treaty of 1928 and the articles of the
treaty of 1775 and 1899 revived by the
treaty of 1928. 1t is not necessary to
narrSte in detail these violations, for
he attention of the German govern
mept has been called to the circum-
stances of each instance of violation.
but I may here refer to certain OF
them briefly and in general terms"
The text follows in part:
"Since. the sinking OF the American
steamer William T Frye for the car
riage Of contraband. there have been
perpetrated by the German naval forces
similar unwarranted attacks upon and
destruction OF numerous American ves-
sells for the reason, as alleged, that they
were engaged In transportation OF artI-
cles OF contraband. Notwithstanding. and
in this disregard OF. Article 13 OF the
Treaty of 1879.
In addition to the sinking OF Ameri-
can vessels foreign merchant vessels car
rying American citizens. and American
property have been sunk by German
submarines without warning and with
out any adequate security for safety OF
the persons on board or compensation
for the destruction OF the property By
such action. notwithstanding the solemn
engagement OF Article Is OF the Treaty
OF 1873.
Regarding the Zones.
"Disregarding these obligations, the
German Government has proclaimed
certain zones on the high seas in which
II declared without reservation that all
ships, including those OF neutrals. will
be sunk, and in those zones German