The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-02-07
Dual Monarchy Greatly Dis
appointed at View of
United States
MEASURE OF SELF-DEFENSE
This is How Extended Use
of Submarine is Charac-
terized in Vienna
(By Associated Press.)


Vienna, Saturday, Feb. 3.-(via
Berlin and wireless to The Associated
Press VIA SayviIle, Feb. TIN an in
terview given by a high official to-
day to The Associated Press shortly
after receipt Of news that diplomatic
relations between Germany and the
United States had been severed. the
following statement was made:
1--WE had hopes that the American
government would take a different
view of our situation, especially since
we had waited more than a year be-
fore a decision on the question was
reached, which. was entirely cour-
tesy on our part toward the United
states tDuring tAati time we had en-''
tertained the hope that it would never
be necessary to give the submarine
it's full effectiveness, although we
long ago have been convinced Of such
effectiveness.
when President Wilson finally in
terested himself in behalf of peace,
we sighed in relief because we hoped
the entente after turning down our
offer would not dare to step before the
world with a war program which from
the start to finish was nothing but
continuing the war for conquest. Our
peace offer was made despite the fact
we were holding every military ad-
vantage. We took this action be-
cause our war was one Of self-de-
Tense.
1--WE hoped that the American pub
lie would see that this action was
justified and we still so hope. believ-
ing this because we are sure that the
Iy concerned would do the same in
self-defense. For this reason we are |
not ready to abandon hope that peace |
between the United States and Aus |
tria- Hungary will be maintained.
I'VE still believe that President |
high aims are reconcilable |
with our measures because this meas /
ure is necessary If Austria -Hungary's
people are not to pass under the rule |
Of governments which in their last |
note shed the last rag of decency and |
themselves as promoters |
Of a war OF conquest. There Is no |
reason why even a single American |
should look upon the extension Of our |
sea war zone as q hostile act directed
against his country, for that Is far
from our intention.
We are giving our submarines I
heir greatest application, not because
Of a desire to conquer or sub5ugate or
10 harm American interests but sole
" to perform our God-gtven duty to |
defend ourselves and our lives
through another avenue open. We
reached our decision after much
thought upon everything the many
4 IA &aG
but the decision had to be reached
e our efforts were to be realized to
continue free people; If large parts
of the monarchy were not to fall un-
Ter Russian absolutism and misrule;
{ the fragments of the monarchy
.hen remaining were not to be cut of
from access to the sea by the loss Of
The Adriatic coast.
Having borne the sacrifices of /
treasure and blood in this, war for
thirty months, and having tasted
every horror Of modern warfare, we
should all the more regret difficulties
with the United States. which Is re-
garded as q nation which, when peace
comes, would give assistance to
Europe's stricken people to rehabili-
tate themselves not only materially
put morally. War with the United
States. for this reason, would be a
for all mankind because such
/ war would place upon the American
people the same burden under which
Europe groans today. which ultimate
v may mean the debasement of the
sntire white race. IL carried to the ex-
:ess to which participation by the
United States would undoubtedly
cad.
I'VE have many who say that the
greater the number of our enemies
he greater, ultimately, our credit for
laving defended ourselves against
Iuch odds. especially IL mighty Amer
ca decides to aid the eph snte. directly.
,r indirectly, to make the form Of or
sanized central Europe again what 1t
vas after Napoleon's march Of con-
luest. We wish to continue living in
)eace with the United States, not to
lave such q peace forced upon our
elves or the American public.
Even the entente cannot entertain
he hope that the war win lead to
he total extinction OF our races and
he day will come when the United
states, although IL may not need the
assistance of a third party, may wish
o have that impartial attitude and
ust consideration OF a meritorious
ase which we now Gsek in Washing
on" Il