The German answer to the American Note was delivered at
Washington on Monday. One can only rub one's eyes and wonder whether such arguments impose upon their authors. They cannot possibly impose upon any one else. The Note says that British merchant ships have been instructed to sail in groups, to try to ram German submarines, to throw bombs on them, to attempt to overpower the German examining parties coming on board, and so forth. British merchantmen must, therefore, be (*Juddered as liable to be attacked "with- out warning or search." The feats that British merchantmen have already received their sentence of death from Germany, and that whatever precautions they take are acts of self-defence, are impudently ignored. It is a case of cot animal est trio ineeliant; qoand on Vattaque it se defend. In conclusion, Germany refuses to withdraw her threat that merchantmen flying neutral flags may be sunk on the anpposition that they are British. Besides. it is added, mines will be used far more freely than ever. "The murderous ways of British naval warfare" are responsible. If Britain lets American food supplies into Germany, the German Government will reconsider their decision, but not otherwise. In fine, Germany says to America : "Be my brother, and my ally, or I will slay you."
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