It will be seen that the German Note takes the
high-and- mighty line. If neutral ships choose to enter the closed waters, it is on their own responsibility, and they alone will be answerable for any " unfortunate accidents".that may occur. Yet the State Department at Washington less than a week ago told the German. Government that what the Germans called "accidents" would be regarded by America as indefensible violations of neutral rights " which could not be reconciled with the friendly relations between the two Governments," and that Washington would bold the German Government to "strict accountability" for such acts and take steps to safeguard American lives, property, and rights. The German Government also express the hope that the American Government, after further considera- tion, "will come to a conclusion corresponding to the spirit of real neutrality." What this in effect comes to ie that the German Government order the American Govern- ment to hold no further intercourse by sea with Great Britain, and warn them that if American trading ships do not obey this non-intercourse decree they will do so at their peril.
Previous page
