GERMAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 107, 6 May 1916, Page 5

GERMAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS

THE REPLY TO THE FINAL NOTE UNITED STATES WILL NOT TAKE HASTY ACTION (By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received May 6, 8.40 a.m.) WASHINGTON, sth May. Germany repudiates the suggestion that she has in any way violated international la-w by using submarines. The Note takes exception to the American statement that Germany indiscriminately destroyed neutral vessels during the past year, and professes that every consideration was shown to neutral vessels except within- the war zone around the British Isles, where neutral vessels carrying enemy freight were encountered.

Germany, the Note continues, made many offers to the United States to prevent American passengers travelling on enemy ships, but the United States refused to accept the suggestions; therefore, the United States itself cannot escape responsibility. Germany, however, renews this offer.

Germany cannot dispense with submarine warfare, as Great Britain is breaking international law in a wholesale fashion by starving women and children.

Germany was anxious to confine the war purely to the belligerent forcesj but Great Britain extended it to women and children, and in self-defence Germany was obliged to resort to submarines.

Germany offers, furthermore, to order her submarine commanders not to sink any ships anywhere unless after due warning and safeguarding the crews, the only exception being if ships attempt to escape or offer resistance. This offer, however, is conditional on the United States co-operating with Germany to restore the freedom of the seas, as the United States has suggested previously in Notes to the British Government. If the United States faih to do this, Germany will hold herself free to deal with the situation thus arising with complete freedom of action. Cabinet is considering the unofficial text of the Note. It is understood that no hasty action will be takon. LIBERTY OF ACTION RESERVED. (Received May 6, 8.25 a.m.) NEW YORK, sth May. A Reuter message states: The German Note quotes a new order to the German naval forces, instructing them to observe the principle of visit and search of merchant vessels, both within and without the naval war zone. The Note further expects the United States to insist that Great Britain shall conduct its blockade in accordance with the rights of neutral shipping, failing which Germany reserves "complete liberty of decision." (Received May 6, 8.20 a.m.) WASHINGTON, sth May. Unless the" United States accepts Germany's overtures regarding Britain controlling the seas, Germany announces that she will reserve full liberty of action on the seas. WASHINGTON, sth May. The German reply to the American Note offers to restrict the submarine warfare within the limits of the United States demands if the United States will compel Great Britain to abide by the dictates of international law. The stock markets in New York are demoralised, as it is believed that President Wilson ynll now be obliged to break off diplomatic relations. AMSTERDAM, sth May. The German reply, a voluminous manuscript, was handed to Mr. Gerard (United States Ambassador at Berlin) to-day. ATTACK ON SUSSEX ADMITTED. (Received May 6, 10.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, sth May. Germany's reply is one of the longest documents of the war. It stillinsists on treating armed merchantmen as cruisers, and reiterates the pledges of safety for Americans. It admits the attack on the Sussex, and promises that it will not recur. The reply recalls Britain's alleged failure-to answer the various American protests concerning the British blockade. A PIECE OF COLOSSAL IMPUDENCE. (Received May 6, 8.40 a.m.) WASHINGTON, sth May. The press denounces the Note as a- piece of colossal impudence, but the .German-American press is delighted with it.