New Britain herald., 1917-03-06
'd
 Submarines Under Muule Search
AUSTRIA'S OFFICIAL ATTITUDE REGARDING
 SUBMARINE ATTACKS ON MERCHANT SHIPS

+a s-4, London, March 6, 7:55 a. m.-The American ambassador at Vienna has been handed the reply of the Aus trian government to the American note inquiring as to the position of the Austrian government in regard to unrestricted submarine warfare, ac- cording to a Vienna despatch to Reu- ters by way of Amsterdam. The re- ply declares that neutrals are respon- sible for losses they suffer by enter ing territory where there are warlike operations going oh.
 The memorandum referring to it's note on the Anaconda case says that it strictly adheres to the assurance already given
 Discusses Reservation. At the same time Austria calls at tention to the fact that at the time of the Anaconda incident it stated that it reserved the right to bring up later for discussion difficult in- ternational questions which arise in connection with the submarine war fare"
 The memorandum then adds:
 If the Austro-H Hungarian govern ment refers to this reservation and briefly discusses the question of the sinking of enemy vessels to which that note refArs- it is sg1lided by a. de- sire to show the American govern ment that now, as heretofore, 1t strictly adheres to the assurance al- ready given and endeavors, by clear ing up that important question, be- cause it touches the laws of human ity, to avoid misunderstanding be- tween the monarchy and the Ameri- can union."
 The American note, which was dis patched to Vienna on February Is, asked specifically whether the Aus trian assurances given for the sink ing of Anaconda and the Persia had been nullified. The reply says that whatever attitude the Washington cabinet may make as to individual questions raised here.'' the Austro- Hungarian government is essentially in accord with the American gov- ernment in regard to the protection of neutrals against endangering their lives"
 The memorandum then maintains that neutral subjects have to pre- pare themselves against all losses they suffer by entering territory where warlike, operations are taking place.
 After lengthy discussion of the British blockade which it declares is illegal the memorandum continues:
 Let Neutrals Beware. "The principle that neutrals should enjoy in wartimes the advantages of the freedom of the seas refers only to neutral vessels and not to neutral persons aboard enemy vessels
 ''The reply further contends that belligerents are entitled to decide for themselves what measures should be taken against an enemy in sea traffic and concludes:
 "In such cases neutrals have no other legitimate interests and there fore no other legal claim than that a belligerent inform them in time of prohibition directed to an enemy so that they can avoid entrusting their lives and their goods to enemy vessels''
 The text of the reply to the United Vienna despatch to Reuters:
 From the memorandum of Feb- ruary IS of the American ambassador, ~A~~ ter has concluded that the Washing ton cabinet, as to statements issued made ot February 10 of last year and on January 31. 1917 by the Austro- Hungarian government, is now in doubt regarding the attitude which Austria Hungary will henceforth ob- serve regarding the submarine war and as to whether the assurances giv- en by the Austrio- Hungarian govern n1ent to the Washington cabinet in the course of negotiations about the Ancona and Persia have not been nullified by the aforementioned state- ment.sg' The Austro- Hungarian gov ernment is ready to make a clear and definite statement so that these doubts may be solved.
 Biamcs England for Situation.
 "The Austro- Hungarian govern ment may be allowed first of all to discuss briefly the methods em- ployed by the Eentente powers in waging submarine warfare, because they are the starting point for the intensified submarine war begun by Austria Hungary and her allies and also they throw a bright light upon the attitude which the Aust Ils