The North Otago Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1917. AWAITING AMERICA'S DECISION.

North Otago Times, Volume CIV, Issue 13795, 3 February 1917, Page 4

The North Otago Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1917. AWAITING AMERICA'S DECISION.

The eyes of the civilised world and the uncivilised world, as far as Germany is concerned, are focussed on the President of the United States. Will Dr. Wilson stand firm against Germany's threat or will he again resort'to the ■ typewriter in preference to the only argument which appeals to Germany, namely, big guns and large supplies of ammunition? America has literally deluged Germany with notes. Away back in April 6f last year, America demanded that...''Germany should abandon her present methods of submarine warfare • against passenger and freight-carrying vessels, failing which the American Government could have no choice but to sever diplomatic relations with the German Empire," Germany placated President Wilson by promising to observe American demands, but the Huns pursued their under-water campaign of murder and destruction undaunted by the frowns of the President and regardless of the protests of the pro-Ally journals in America. Later Germany became bolder, and her.U boats carried out an extended blockade of tlw American coast beyond the limits of territorial waters. But America was unmoved, except that the American navy helped Germany by rescuing the helpless crews of the vessels sunk by the German pirates.. What is'very generally overlooked in connection with . the President's bellicose April Note is the passage in which the American Government condemned, not merely the methods in which U boats are employed, but the employment of these Vessels at all against merchant shipping. "It has become painfully "evident to it (the United State's Government)" the Note said, "that the position which it took"at the very outset is inevitable, namely, the use of submarines "for the destruction of an "enemy's commerce is, of necessity, because of the very charac"ter of the vessels employed and "the very methods of' attack "which their employment of "course involves, utterly incom"patible with the principles 'of "humanity, the long-established "and incontrovertible rights of "neutrals, and the sacred immuni"ties.of. non-combatants." What does President Wilson say to-dav? The German Note to ' America states that freedom of the seas is an indispensable condition of good neighbourly relations, and could ' not bo exploited by enemies for the promotion of hostile attempts. The Allies, it considers, Justed for conquest, and desired to dishonour Germany and her friends. Britain is brutally starving Germany, despite the,law of nations,.and this has .always been the guiding principle of German policy. Germany/in the peace to be concluded with Belgium, merely wanted precautionary measures so that that country shall be regarded-as neutral, • British imperiousness,' with cold-blooded accents,.-re-r gards the world's sufferings with' out the slightest regard to the sufferings of neutrals. Germany therefore-hoped that .the United States will understand that ,she is desirous of peace, but because the peace negotiations have failed Germany will be compelled to do away with the restrictions which until now it has imposed'upon the use of its rightful means on the seas. Germany hopes that tlio . United States will therefore de-' ./< ' > , -

duce from,the war plans annexed , the 'necessity of' warning ■ Ameri- c can ships- fiom-entering 1 the bar- ] red zones,- and will warn citizens < against confining; goods to ships ) plying; to ports in tlie barred ( zones, Avhieli ■ include all waters , about the Allied' countries.' ' And ] so on. Is Germany bluffing ? j The New York "World says that the Note is, in effect, a declaration j of war against the United States, , and can only, receive one answer. . That answer should be taade to-'.; day. Count Bernstorff, German Ambassador 'at Washington, must J receive ,liis passports'forthwith, and diplomatic relations must cease immediately. If this means war with Germany, so be .it." Germany is either seeking to draw America into the maelstrom of war in order to give President 'Wilson some standing at the Peace Conference or the Kaiser set'ks to bring about an end to the great struggle by performing an act of tragic madness by declaring war against the whole'world.