SINKING OF THE ANCONA

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 584, 23 December 1915, Page 7

SINKING OF THE ANCONA

AMERICA SENDS ANOTHER NOTE.

FIRM INSISTENCE ON COMPLIANCE WITH DEMANDS.

(Received December 23, 9.35 a.m.) WASHINGTON, December 22.

A second Note states that Austria has admitted that the Ancona was torpedoed when her engines were stopped and while the passengers were still aboard. The admission fixes on the submarine commander the responsibility for violating the law of nations and disregarding the humane principles of sea warfare. America holds details of the sinking and additional evidence in support of the American report, and also that a number of Americans were killed or injured. It is not essential to the discussion that the culpability of the commander has been established, and it is an undisputed fact that the citizens of the.United States were killed, injured, or placed in jeopardy by his lawless act.

The United States does not feel called upon to debate international law and the principles of humanity thus violated. These rules have been for so long universally recognised in the United States that her only .course is to hold Austria responsible for the submarine's act and renew the definite and respectful demands made in December.

America hopes that Austria will perceive the justice of this, and comply with the same frankness and the same concern for the existing good relations which prompted the United States to make them.