THE LANSING PAPERS, 1914-1920, VOLUME I



lessness did so except under a misapprehension of the orders issued by
[under orders from] the Imperial German naval authorities [or with
their approval. It takes it for granted that, at least within the prac-
tical possibilities of every such case, the commanders even of subma-
rines were expected to do nothing that would involve the lives of
non-combatants or the safety of neutral ships, even at the cost of
failing of their object of capture or destruction.] It confidently
expects, therefore, that the Imperial German Government will dis-
avow the acts of [to] which the Government of the United States
complains [takes the liberty of calling its attention]; that they [it]
will make reparation so far as reparation is possible for injuries which
are without measure, and that they [it] will take immediate steps to
prevent the recurrence of anything so obviously subversive of the
principles of warfare for which the Imperial German Government
have in the past [has always itself so wisely and] so firmly contended.
  [American citizens act within their indisputable rights in taking
their ships and in traveling wherever their legitimate business calls
them upon the high seas, and exercise those rights in what should be
the well justified confidence that their lives will not be endangered by
acts done in clear violation of universally acknowledged international
obligations and [-] certainly in the confidence that their own Gov-
ernment will sustain them in the [their] exercise. of their rights]
  The Government and people of the United States looks to the Im-
perial German Government for just, prompt, and enlightened action
in this vital matter with the greater confidence because the United
States and Germany are bound together not only by special ties of
friendship [not only] but also by the [special] stipulations of the
Treaty of 1828 between the United States and the Kingdom of Prus-
sia. [explicit treaty]
  Expressions of regret and offers of reparation in case of destruction
of neutral ships [, sunk by mistake,] while they may satisfy inter-
national obligations, if no loss of life results, can not justify or excuse
a practice, the natural and necessary effect of which is to subject
neutral nations and neutral persons to new and immeasurable risks;
[for it must be remembered that peace, not war, is the normal state,
and that nations that resort to war to settle disputes are not at liberty
to subordinate the rights of neutrals to the supposed or even actual
needs of belligerents.]
  The Imperial German Government must realize that [will not ex-
pect] this [the] Government will not [of the United States to] omit
any word [necessary representation] or any [necessary] act neces-
sary to the performance of its sacred duty of maintaining [in sustain-
ing] the rights of the United States and its citizens and of safe-
guarding their free exercise and enjoyment. [or in safeguarding the
sacred duties of international obligation.]



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