AN EVASIVE REPLY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13699, 1 June 1915, Page 3

AN EVASIVE REPLY.

GKRMANY -/RAISES STRANGE QUiBBLE.

(Received. June 1, 9 a.m.) r A'MSTHKfDAM, May 31. ' Germany's Note to the United States continues: — • ' • ■ The Lusitania acted against the American law forbidding passengers to travel m ships carrying explosives, which .vas the principal cause of the vessel sinking. Under other circumstances the passengers would' probably have been saved. ■■ i . '■■■ ■ ■■;'■ '.; . .

Germany therefore reserves her final declaration until America has* carefully studied the foregoing 1 facts. Germany promises to investigate the Gulf Light arid Gushing case's, which may be supplemented by &n International ■. Commission according to the league Convention. , jjlu the FaJaba case, 23 minutes elapsed ! before the torpedo was fired, after the Falaba had tried' to elude capture' and suspicious vessels were seen approaching. Germany suggests a postponement of consideration of Presided* Wilson's demands until the Government has agreed whether the Lusitania was a .cruiser or % merchantman. I (Received Jume Ist, 9 a.m.) .•' ■■■ WASHINGTON/ May 31. Germany's reply to the United States further contends that it is impossible to settle the question of whether a proper opportunity was gwen to place the pasiengers and: crew m "safety until- it ib determined whether the regulations adopted after the sinking of the Titanic for a oroper supply of boats- and watertight bulkheads were incorporated, m ; the American law and observed m the 'Lusit&nia's case. ;' ,