THE MURDER POLICY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3991, 26 July 1915, Page 5

THE MURDER POLICY.

UNCLE SAM’S NOTE.

ABANDONMENT OF TIE POLICY INSISTEi ON. FULL TERMS OF THE DESPATCH. FIRM INSISTENCE OR SATISFACTION. ;Unitcd Press Association—Copyright.) (Received Ju!v 2-1, 3.20 p.m.) LONDON, July 2-1, President Wilson’s despatch considers that Germany’s Note of July 8 is most unsatisfactory. It fails to moot tliici [real diifercnces and indicates no wav to apply the accepted principle;) of law and humanity to the &rm“ matter in the controversy, but inaikes proposals contrary to the arrangements Tor the partial suspension of those principles, which virtually set them aside. The United States Government notes with satisfaction that- Germany recognises without reservation the validity of the principles insisted upon in previous American communications -—the principles that the .high seas must bo tree, that the cargo am! character of merchantmen must be ascertained before destruction, and that lives of non-combatants in no case shall be jeopardised unless tin- vessel resists or attempts to escape after being asked t-o submit to examination. But President Wilson is keenly disappointed that Germany regard's itself as exempt from these principles, even whore neutral vessels are concerned, by wliat Berlin believes to be the policy of Britain regarding neutral commerce. America cannot discuss the British Government’s policy except, with Britain, and the conduct oi other belligerents is irrelevant to the discussion of grave and unjustifiable violations of the rights oi American citizens. Illegal and inhuman acts ag- - ainst the enemy, .however deemed, justifiable, are indefensible when, they deprive neutrals of their right.s, particularly when they violate the right of life itself. If a belligerent cannot retaliate without- injuring the lives and! property ot neutrals, humanity and justice should dictate a discontinuance of the practice. Washington recognises the changed conditions of warfare, but cannot consent to an abatement of the fundamental rights of the people. The rights of neutrals are based on principle, not expediency. It is a belligerent’s duty to find a- way to adapt new circumstances thereto. The past two months have smnvn that it is .practicable to conduct- submarine operations in the war zone in accord with the accepted practices of warfare. The whole world lias looked with satisfaction on that demonstration of the possibility ot lifting submarine attacks above the criticism they have arouses!. _ . . In view of Germany’s admission_ of tin' legality, under plea of retaliation and the manifest- possibility of conformation with the established rules of warfare, Washington cannot believe that Berlin will longer refrain from disavowing the wanton sinking of the Lusitania and offering reparation. for the American lives lost in that illegal act. Washington cannot accept the suggestion that certain vessels should be allowed! to sail free the- seas now illegallv proscribed, while ot-lier vessels would be subjected to illegal attack. Both Governments are contending for the. same object- and have long stood together in urging the very principle on’which the United States now so solemnly insists—both contending for the freedom of the- seas. The United States will continue to contend that freedom, from whatever quarter it is violated, without compromise- and! at any cost. It invites the practical co-operation of tiu* German Government at- a time wlion. co-opera t ion ran accomplish most, and this groat common object will Im' most strikingly and effectively achieved by the German. Government. The Note expresses t-lio hope that this object may, in some- measure, be accomplished even before the- war onus —it can be. , The Government of the united States not only, feels obliged to insist upon it-, by whomsoever it is violated or ignored, in protecting its own citizens, but is also deeply interested in seeing it practicable between the 'belligerents themselves, and holds itself ready at- any time to act- with a common. friend wlm may be privileged to suggest a. way. Meantime, the very value which the American Government sets- upon «• long and unbroken, friendship impels it to -impress most solemnly upon the Gorman Government the necessity lor a scrupulous observance of neutrals rights in this critical matter. '“Friendship itself prompts us to say t-o the Imperial Government that a. , repetition hv the commanders ot German naval vessels of acts in contravention of those rights-must be regardedl bv the. United States, when they affect American citizens, as deliberately unfriendly. AMERICA’S PREPAREDNESS. AN .IMPORTANT CONKERENC-E. (Received Julv .25, 3.20 p.m.) WASHINGTON, July 24. President Wilson is calling a conference of the- Secretaries for War and the Navy regarding the United States’ preparedness for ah eventualities. Advice is being sought from ciciy professional source. President Wilson desires a navy -equal in efficiency to that of any Power. THE ARFSUNA INCIDENT. AMERICA'S PROTEST. (Received July 25, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 24. Tho report on the Orduna incident has been drawn up. It is stated that it unofficially supports tho allegation of the submarine attack. It is considered oeirtain that America will demand an explanation from Germany. THE LUSITANIA VERDICT. GERMAN ADMIRAL’S TIRADE. (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) (Received Julv 24, G. 20 p.m.) LONDON, July 24. The "Taeelicbe Runnidhau” publishes a. violent tirade by Admiral Kirchhoff, denouncing the verdict in tho Lusitania case. He declares that submarine attacks .on unarmed merchantmen will bo eoiitinmxl regardless of the fate of neutral ships.