The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-03-10
ASSOCIATED Press)

Washington, March l0.-The mere
appearance Of German submarine or
its periscope in the presence of an
American armed merchant ship would
entitle that ship, according to the
state departments opinion today, to
take all measures Of protection on the
presumption that the U-b0at's pur-
pose 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 aggressive &C.
tion. This view is based on Ger
many's declared intention to sink on
sight within certain zones neutral as
well as belligerent vessels, and wheth-
er passenger or freighters, or contra.
band carriers. sE.
Takes Orders Literally.
The United States was said to stand
fatty on its armed merchantmen
warning of March u last, IN which It
definitely recognized the~''rlght to
prevent capture" as part of the right
to self-protection," which could be ex-
ercised either by flight or resistance.
The mere presence of a German sub
marine is declared grounds sufficient
for presuming hostile intent, because
of the deliberate statement by Ger
many that all vessels are to be sunk
on sight. Denial by Germany OF the
old rule Of visit and search, makes
all it's U.boats actually hostile.
Judument Must Rule.
Whether the government will issue
any general rules for the guidance of
American armed ship commander is
uncertain at present. Opposition to
such action has been expressed on the
ground that the situation is now en-.
tirely clear, that in all events, the
action of the commander must depend
upon his Judgment and the actual
condition prevailing and that the gov
ernment does not wish to take any
steps which might be construed as
a deliberately hostile act by Ger
many.
The concensus of opinion in diplo-
matte quarters here today was that
the action of the United States in
arming its merchant shipping would
in no way serve to change the policies
of the several European neutral ma
tions. At the same time, however,
diplomatic representatives of some OF
these nations, seemed anxious to So
cure all information possible regard.
ing the details so far as the plan OF
the United States government regard.
ing what will happen should a sub
marine approach an armed American
merchantmen.
Armed At Once.
Guns and gunners and ammunition
will be placed aboard American ships
Immediately. and they will be sent
to sea under orders to fire on German
submarines which attack them illeg.
ally.
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 neu'
trality, the next step beyond he sew
erance of diplomatic relations with
Germany and possibly the prelimin-
ary of war. What ships are to 90
armed first, and when they will san.
will be kept secret in order to avoid
endangering the lives of Americans
aboard them.
Issues Orders.
President Wilson issued the neces-
sary orders yesterday in the BELIEF
that he has ample executive power
without special authorization from
congress. simultaneously, however.
he called congress to meet in special
session April 16, to be In position 70
support him, if necessary.
/ Preparations for defending Ameri-
can merchant vessels had already
been taken by the government ana
actual work of equipping the vessels
only awaited the navy department ap-
proval Of applications from ship own
ers. In the various navy yards along
the Atlantic coast are stored guns.
ammunition and other necessary
equipment ready for installation.
Near to War.
1t was explained by at least one
Diplomat that details of the American
plan were desired more for the tAlor-
nation OF European nations than fof'
their guidance.
Virtually all agreed that in tAejrs
opinion the United States vas neater
, to war with Germany than at any
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