A SCRAP OF PAPER

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2557, 3 September 1915, Page 5

A SCRAP OF PAPER

FROM COUNT BERNSTORFF WRITTEN PROMISE TO CEASE -PIRACY SHIPPING TO /BE WARNED By Telegraph—?res;\ Association—Copyright Washflrigbn, September 1. Count Bernstorff (Germaii Ambassa- ! dor at Washington) has given Mr. Robert Lansing (United States Secretary of State) a written .undertaking worded as follows:— "Liners win not be 6unk by our submarines without warning, and without safety for non-combatants, provided that the liners do not attempt to escape or offer resistance." ■Couiit Bernstorff intimated that Ber-, lin's policy was 6e.ttled beforo the Arabic incident. . . Mr. Lansing makes it clear that tho United States' will ill no case bargain with Germany regarding the British blockade. The German Embassy admits that a submarine _ torpedoed the steamer Arabic and failed to return to her base. . It is understood that Germany is also willing to afford satisfaction for the sinking of the Lusitaniai/ (Rec. September 2, 9.50 p.m.) / Washington, September 2. • Count Bernstorff wrote to Mr. Lansing: "Although I am aware tliat you do not wish.to discuss the Lusitania question .until the Arabic incident has been definitely aud satisfactorily settled, I desire to inform you .of Germany's acceptance of . tho principle, because this pclicy was decided upon by my Government before the Arabic incident oc- • curred." ■ AMERICA WANTED SOMETHING IN WRITING, * (Rec. September 2, 10.20 p.m.) . Washington, September 2. The fact that Count Bernstorif's letter was due to Mr. Lansing's request for a written statement is regarded as a proof of President Wilson's insistence on final arid definite assurances concerning Germany's future submarine policy, j PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION. . "A DIPLOMATIC VICTORY." : Washington, September 1. The Press claims that President Wilson has achieved a great diplomatic vic- . tory. • , \ The Press believes that Germany has lost so many submarines through the excellence of the Britisli eouhter-offen-sive methods, that she is. now willing to concede the United States' demands' as a way out of, a dilemma. ■ m ."■ New York, September 1. The.-"New York Herald" says: "America _cannot barter with Germany by promising.aggression, towards Britain in order obtain the re-shaping of German policy. President Wilson, mil not recognise the remotest relations between America's controversy /with Germany and America's controversy with Britain." 1 ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, September 1. The Naval Correspondent .of "Tho Times'' states that the report that Germany is about to introduce a modification in lier submarine warfare has not been substantiated. It is probable tho announcement of her intention to suspend warfare on passenger ships is merely an interpretation of Count Bernstorff's remarks intending to imply that submarine commanders have teen ordered not to attack merchantmen without Warning;, but'there is no'evidence toshow that this is being done. Diplomats and seamen regard the matter from entirely different viewpoints, the former hoping to achieve their purpose by argument, the fighting-men knowing that- force .alone will bring the war to a satisfactory conclusion. The Bernstorff announcements have been made with the purpose of gaining time or influencing neutral opinion. PRESIDENT'S POLICY VINDICATED. > (Rec. September . 2, 10.20 p.m.) Washington, September 2. : Official circles ;are delighted with the German decision, and with . 'President Wilson. They feel that his patient and firm attitude has been fully vindicated. Ministerial circles regard the result as a triumph for international law and the rights of humanity. ' President Wilson's re-election' is now believed to be assured. Nov; York, September 2. The newspapers express satisfaction; but there is nnfrli comment of an ironical kind, declaring that , tile German decision must not be construed by the Kaiser as bestowing favours ou America! . The "Tribune" says: "Germany is not making concessions or sacrifices," but is merely foregoing her illegal and inhuman practices, and abandoning her policy of assassination." The "Evening Post" says: "The Germans are abandoning anarchy, believing that decision to be more profitable," not because they like'us." . SHIPPING LOSSES IN AUGUST . AN.AGGREGATE OF 83,509 TONS. 1 London, September 1. i The Board of Trade announces t!hat the Germans during August sank;thirtyliine sailing vessels, aggregating 2019 ( ?) tons, and fifty-six steamships,, aggregating 81,490 tons. The lives lost totalled 1095, of which 1011 went down in the Royal Edward, the transport which was sunk in the Aegean Sea on August 14. .. PIRATE-IN-CHIEF ILL ' ADVISED TO TAKE A HOLIDAY. , ; Amsterdam, September 2. 1 Admiral von Tirpitz is ill from overwork. The doctors have advised an extend- .. cd holiday. \ ■ -~