UNITED STATES RESERVES LIBERTY OF ACTION

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 244, 12 October 1916, Page 5

UNITED STATES RESERVES LIBERTY OF ACTION

WILL TAKE NO STEPS TO LIMIT ACTIVITY OF SUBMARINES.

THROWING RESPONSIBILITY ON BELLIGERENT POWERS.

WASHINGTON, October 11. The following Note has been issued by the United States Government: "The Allies, urged neutrals to prevent belligerent submarines using neutral waters owing to the facility with which submarines avoid supervision and surveillance. The Allies hold that a submarine must be excluded from the benefit' of the rules of international law regarding the rights of war vessels in neutral waters, and warn neutrals of the great-danger of neutral submarines navigating waters wherein belligerent submarines are operating. In reply the United States Government expresses surprise at what appears to be an endeavour by the Allies to determine a rule of action governing what they regard as a novel situation. The Allies have not supplied reasons why the rules of international law are not applicable to submarines. The United States Government therefore reserves liberty of action in all respects. It will treat submarines as becomes a Power which for more than a century has maintained the principles of neutrality with a high sense of impartiality." The Note concludes: "In order that there may be no misunderstanding of the United States' attitude, the Government hold it to be the duty of belligerents to distinguish between neutral and belligerent submarines, and the responsibility for any neutral submarine owing to the neglect of a belligerent bo to distinguish must rest entirely on the negligent Power." Mr. Theodore Roosevelt has issued a statement regarding the submarine question. He declares: —"The day of the ostrich is over. The raids off the American coast are the direct result of Mr. Wilson's policy, and the sending of the submarines ie the culmination of European contempt for America." A lengthy discussion regarding the submarine situation has taken place between Mr. Wilson and Mr. Lansing. It is .believed they consider that international law has not been violated, but official Washington predicts that a new Note will be addressed to .Germany dealing with the peril to passengers, |and asking whether placing them in lifeboats 40 miles from land satisfies America's demands. #