THE AMERICAN NOTE

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 226, 12 June 1915, Page 5

THE AMERICAN NOTE

WITHIN THE VELVET GLOVE. WASHINGTON, June H. : Th e American Note is more friendly than was expected. It reiterates previous demands and leaves room for a friendly reply. It has become known that President Wilson is not opposed to diplomatic discussion, but he insists on a guarantee that American lives will not be jeopardised during negotiations. State Department officials take the sharp issue °f Bryan's interpretation to declare there were no grounds in. the Note that would lead to war, to mean that the contingency only would arise if attacks were repeated. The consensus of newspaper opinions indicates that within: the velvet glove of concllir/ion 1$ tie fronl Q an/1 of purpose.

AMERICAN SHIPS AND LIVES MUST BE SAFEGUARDED.

WASHINGTON.. June 1.1. The American Note to Germany, referring to the Gushing and Gulflight eases, notes that Germany will acknowledge her responsibility to meet liability where an attack is made ou neutral ships not guilty of a hostile act and promises full information relating to the Gushing.

Regarding the sinking of the Pulaba, where an American lost Isis life, the United States is surprised to find Germany contending that an effort on the part of merchantmen to escape capurc and secure assistance alters the obligation of an officer seeking to make the capture to respect the safety of the lives of those aboard the merchantman although the vessel, had ceased to attempt to escape when, torpedoed. After quoting international law, the Note states that the United States docs not understand that Germany is seeking in this case to relieve itself of liability, but intends to set forth the circumstances which led the commander of the submarine to allow himself to be hurried in tire course taken regarding the Lusitania. The contention of the Germans that the liner was equipped with masked guns and supplied with trained gunners and special ammunition; that she was transporting Canadian troops; that she was carrying car go not permitted by the laws of the United States in regard to a vessel carrying passengers; and that she was serving, in virtual effects, as an auxiliary of the naval forces of Britain, has been refuted. The Imperial Government is informed that special attention was paid to these matters by proper officials of the American Government. If the Imperial Government deem itself possessed of convincing evidence that the officials of the United States did not perform their duties thoroughly, Washington hopes it will submit the evidence for consideration.

The contentions of the Imperial Government regarding the carrying of contraband on the Lusitania are rl.nclaro< 7 irrevalent to the question of-the legality of the methods u.':od by Germ'n l naval authorities. Whatever be th< facts regarding the sinking of the Lusitania, the principal fact remains that a groat steamer primarily and chiefly used for the conveyance of passengers, carrying more than a thousand souls who had no part or lot in the conduct of the Avar, was torpedoed and sunk without warning, men, women, and children being sent to death in circumstances unparalleled ki modern warfare. It. is upon the principle of humanity, as well as law founded on this principle, that the United States must stand. The Government of the United States confidently looks to see justice and humanity by the Government of Germany vindicated in all cases where Americans have been wronged or their rights as neutrals invaded. The proclamation of a Avar zone is not admitted by the United States to affect the right of American shipmasters and citizens as passengers bound on lawful-er-rands. The Government of the United States deems it- reasonable to expect the Imperial Government to adopt the measures necessary to put the principles into practice in respect of safeguarding American, lives and American ships. It asks for assurances that this will be done.

ANOTHER SNUB.

WASHINGTON, June 11. Germany's reply to the American Note regarding the sinking of tlic William Frye declares that the PrussianAmerican treaty of 1799 expressly reserves the right to stop carrying contraband. It follows that if this cannot be effected in any other way it must be effected by the destruction of the ship. The Prize Court is only necessary to iix compensation. The owners of the William Frye should enter a claim.

GERMANS ADVISE CAUTION.

(Reed. 11.35 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, June 11. The "Lokal Anzieger" states that, an attempt to reach-a peaceful solutionof the American' difficulty should not preniaturely b' e : abandoned.; they should .ndrt-aggravate political relations Tritb[put.;Sbme;p«rpolS€i" •'*'-•■ ■ / ■ \ ■': -.•.;._ ; . y-_•'. German Altered'-attitude ;><> : erip-;a^ : ; p?cviߣ fhat Germaaf segfis.zS* aad - achieved tiieir purpose. ••.. ~..,'■: